Melissa Geach

Key discussions during the meeting included an update that a committee member resigned due to relocation and the decision to postpone replacement until the spring election. Budget updates for 2025 (preliminary) and 2025/2026 were reviewed, alongside an update on adult and children placements, noting four new, anticipated lengthy foster care placements at the end of 2025. The Board approved the 2026 contracts, including the utilization of the Purchase of Service Agreement for providers falling under the State's $10,000 threshold. A resolution to approve and advertise the ADRC Information and Assistance Specialist Position vacancy was approved for forwarding to the Finance committee. Agency updates covered released WHEAP funding, a new CCS/CSP/CLTS worker starting, minimal expected impact from federal childcare fund freezing, and staff activation for Emergency Shelter coverage due to power outages. Transportation (BART) was noted to be hiring a replacement driver. Children & Families provided updates on case information and placement activities. The ADRC and Aging section reviewed caseloads, mentioned economic impact from tax preparation services ($46,350 in December), and noted re-branding of the Hurley and Mercer meal sites. Finally, the Board reviewed and approved the credit card bills for October/November and November/December, as well as the November-December vouchers.

Key discussions included a Conditional Use Hearing that required rescheduling to February 17th, 2026, because the public notice was not published correctly by the newspaper, although the Town of Anderson had already approved the conditional use. The GIS Specialist provided an update on grant approvals totaling $106,000 and ongoing work on land splits and the Tax Lister year-end program. The committee decided not to pursue changing the ordinance regarding flat roof boathouses due to concerns over potential future land use issues and neighborhood disputes. The Administrator's Report noted that permit volume for 2026 is trending ahead of 2025, and plans are underway to implement online permit applications/payments and reorganize office space. Bills were reviewed and approved.

The agenda for the Iron County Human Services Board meeting includes a roll call, public comment period, and subsequent discussions and actions on the Child Support Report, Budget Updates for 2025 and 2026, and Adult and Children Placements for 2025 and 2026. Further items include discussion/action on contracts, Resolution 2026-4052 concerning the approval and advertising of the ADRC Information & Assistance Specialist Position, Agency Updates (Director Update and Transportation), Children & Families Update, and updates related to ADRC and Aging Services, including the Aging Advisory Committee. The board will also review and approve credit card bills and vouchers before setting future agenda items and the next meeting date.

The board meeting included several committee reports and updates. The Finance Committee report covered principal payout recommendations for Highway investment, approval for purchasing a scissor lift, and modifications to the Iron County handbook, including discussions on paying off a CSO loan. Economic Development reported positive progress. Human Services provided budget updates, including youth and adult placement costs, and discussed a delay in a parental rights termination hearing. The committee also addressed necessary amendments to 2024 contracts due to actual costs and policy revisions for fiscal policies. Transportation rates were discussed due to rising gas and repair costs, with exploration of contracting with Bay Area Regional Transportation Services (BART) as an alternative. A policy for the ADRC and Hurley Senior Center regarding building access and fees was developed. Updates included the termination of a contract staff member from Northland Counseling, which required an interface setup between county and state systems for financial purposes. Children and Family Services noted staff preparing for exams and updates on foster care homes. Extension updates involved entrepreneurship efforts, scanning county ordinances online, preparation for summer camp, and assistance with food bank and economic development websites. The Fair Board reported paying off half of a loan for a stage, discussed plans for local bands, securing carnival contracts, and addressed necessary repairs to the gym floor and the long-standing Lions Club Booth. Discussions also covered upcoming Highway 122 work. Furthermore, a session was held for active shooter training for department staff, and quotes were sought for door security enhancements. The Highway Department provided an update regarding logging industry conditions and the sale of landlocked parcels.

The meeting covered various committee reports and discussions. Budget process timelines were communicated to departments. Committee reports included updates on stumpage revenue, noting a significant increase compared to the previous year, and progress on grant money acquisition for Saxon Harbor, with pending FEMA funds for marina and campground projects. Discussions also covered beach access improvements, which would require Army Corps of Engineers permits, and the potential sale of industrial park lots. Zoning reported being ahead of schedule. The airport committee recommended Denver Air for service, pending final approval. The finance committee reported receiving an $89,500 grant and addressed a request for the county to back a fiber installation bond issue. Approvals included repairs to the Hurley Senior Center building (approximate cost $50,000) and the purchase of a new tractor with attachments, which sparked debate regarding necessity and funding source (recovery money). Human Services generated significant discussion regarding operational differences, cost of out-of-home placements, and changes to subsidized guardianship funding from the state. The ADRC aging bus was delivered, and the Hurley meal site will reopen on Tuesdays and Thursdays with capacity limits pending staffing fills. The Memorial Building is now using the Chamber for scheduling due to increased wedding bookings. The Board also approved the 2021-2025 Recreation Plan for the Forestry Department and a three-year contract for sheriff's deputies.