Spencer Ebann

Key discussions included the status of the FY2026 audit plan, noting a delay in the Payroll Controls audit completion due to data intensity and a new payroll system implementation, and the addition of an investigation into Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) 2024 NSBA Travel to the plan. Audit reports detailed the HCPS investigation, which found travel expenses reasonable and supported, though a concern was raised regarding governance controls given the time elapsed before the investigation was requested. The audit of Water & Sewer Benefit Assessments confirmed accurate billing, but found that Treasury failed to routinely distribute the required annual review summary to the County Council. Other items covered the County-wide Risk Assessment for the FY2027 audit plan, including general consideration of AI risks, and an announcement regarding the County Auditor's upcoming retirement.

The meeting included welcoming two new Board Members and reviewing board rules and schedules. Key actions involved the unanimous approval of leadership changes, with Ms. Keyes elected as chair and Mr. Amoss as vice chair. The Board unanimously approved a request from Garden Fence Farm LLC for a child lot for Parker Crowl, which includes an existing home and requires five years of residency before sale. Updates were provided on the status of current Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation (MALPF) easements, County easements (with two properties heading to settlement soon), and Rural Legacy easements. Finally, the Board unanimously approved changing the start time of monthly meetings from 7:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Key discussion points included the Board Chair's report on the MASSB foundation, where the Chair assumed the treasurer role. The Director's Report covered the issuance of full SNAP benefits for November, participation in a homelessness panel scheduled for broadcast in December, and new partnerships established with the public library system to assist with applications, with plans to expand presence to Harford County Public Schools and the LASOS center. The board also discussed successful food pantry stocking operations and a recent meeting with the County Executive regarding federal funding cuts. In New Business, the board unanimously passed a motion not to sponsor Adult Protective Services (APS) clients for the holiday season but agreed to revisit sponsorship in the future and investigate assisting with prescription costs. A new goal concerning assisting schools with supplies for student activities was also proposed. Fundraising efforts are underway, including updating the solicitation matrix and developing a comprehensive plan for redecorating the children's playroom. Furthermore, the board received a legislative report detailing an executive order aimed at improving the foster care system.

Key discussions during this final meeting of the year included welcoming a reappointed board member and noting two new appointments scheduled for January. The Director reported on efforts to increase community presence in accordance with the Enough Act and acknowledged the retirement of a long-serving administrator. New business focused on fundraising goals, with discussions referencing literature on nonprofit fundraising and the Lions' Club Turkey shoot as examples. Board members recommended updating the matrix to include essential living supplies for foster youth aging out of the system. Committee reports included updates on staff holiday activities, planning for a future chili cookoff, the current finance balance, and a suggestion to host an event at Ripken Stadium. Action items assigned included joining the CQI committee, funding the food pantry, decorating the children's playroom, planning the August 2026 backpack giveaway, covering prescriptions for adult services clients, and Spirit Day giveaways.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous session, along with one change to the current agenda concerning staff picnic baskets. The Board Chair reported on the success of the MASSB conference, highlighting key takeaways regarding effective board characteristics, and recommended applying for the Lifting Lives Award. The Director reported on several critical areas: the 2022 County audit and a recent state audit, a new policy restricting foster youth placement in unlicensed centers necessitating emergency placement preparation, and concerns regarding a potential federal shutdown impacting SNAP benefits and school lunches. The board unanimously approved releasing $1000.00 to restock the food pantry due to potential funding gaps. Updates were provided on HR1 legislation affecting SNAP program requirements and difficulties with the Sun Bucks card activation system. In General Discussion, updates were given on recruitment efforts for open positions, including assignments of committee chairs (Finance and Events/Fundraising). For New Business, members discussed 2026 goals, including revising the handbook matrix, organizing a school supply giveaway, enhancing community visibility through library partnerships, and exploring unbudgeted needs. A motion unanimously carried to sponsor adult services for Christmas, decorate the Children's Playroom, co-sponsor the 2026 Community Backpack giveaway, and provide $1000 for the Pantry. The Mini-Golf Fundraiser remains tabled under Old Business.