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MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES <br /> April 20,2026 <br /> Four positions over the last two years have been moved from prevention services. The second <br /> position being affected is a Social Worker in prevention services. The type of services that fall with <br /> prevention work include walk-ins, Youth Enhancement Fund assistance, various committee <br /> representation, Diaper Bank, Food Bank, disaster recovery support, etc. At some point when we <br /> don't have these positions we are going to struggle to provide these services to the community that <br /> are needed and expected. The cost savings to the County is minor. It is important for the DSS <br /> Board and the BOCC to understand the potential impact these cuts may have. As a result of the <br /> positions being reclassified, we are going to have to pull back one of the two positions we have that <br /> works at the Department on Aging. While one of the positions will remain at the Senior Center this <br /> will have an operational impact on that department as well. <br /> Lastly, $20,000 was cut from contract services that we earmarked for utility assistance because of <br /> concerns about what the federal government may do. Additionally, $45,000 was cut from <br /> Maintenance of Effort (MOE) that we use for psychological evaluations and/or behavioral, mental <br /> health services for clients working with child welfare or adult services. <br /> 4. DSS Board Membership <br /> Lindsey Shewmaker informed the Board that two board positions are expiring at the end of June. <br /> One is Chris' position that is a state appointment, and he is eligible to serve again. We have already <br /> sent him the paperwork to submit to the State for reappointment. The other position is Jane's, and <br /> she is not eligible to serve again because she has already served two consecutive terms. This <br /> position is a BOCC appointment and Jane can continue to serve in the position until the BOCC <br /> appoints a new member. There are currently 5-6 applications submitted to the BOCC that were <br /> received within the last on to two years. Additionally, Pat Garavaglia has also expressed interest in <br /> returning but would need to apply. Usually, one or two board members will do a preliminary vetting <br /> of applications from BOCC, and sometimes applicants will also come to a meeting. As the DSS <br /> Board, you can decide how you want the selection and recommendation process to work. <br /> Director Shewmaker will send a list of applicants for review, and they can also think about people <br /> they may know who would be a good fit. Historically, some of the best board members have come <br /> from personal recommendations of other board members. We will also share a link to the <br /> application so others can apply if interested. <br /> 5. Director's Report <br /> Next week is the annual DSS director's meeting in Asheville so Lindsey Shewmaker will be out of <br /> office Tuesday through Friday. <br /> We have heard concerns from staff about the increase in gas prices and have been having <br /> discussions with managers and supervisors. We are encouraging supervisors to work with their <br /> teams to accommodate remote work and flex scheduling. Part of this is acknowledging the financial <br /> strain for staff. This will be a temporary solution and will be evaluated monthly. We will also create <br /> an internal to DSS network for ridesharing if employees are interested. Nothing has come from the <br /> County level, so this is a DSS specific response. <br /> VII. Announcements <br /> None. <br /> Ann Wilkerson moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:11 pm. Chris Barnes seconded the motion. The motion was <br /> 3 <br />