Richland County

The committee meeting included administrative items such as the approval of the 19-point agenda and confirmation of previous meeting minutes. Key discussions focused on public comment regarding state funding fairness for county placements, a review of the BSO budget summary for 2023, and consent items covering expenditures and budget reconciliation. Major action items involved structural changes to the Behavioral Health Unit, including modifying a supervisor's role description with no immediate budget impact and planning to fill an unfilled service facilitator position. Contract approvals included an amendment to the 2024 contract with Hansen Assessment and Educational Services for supervision and education in the Children and Youth Services Unit, and a new contract with Hidden Springs Clinic for court-ordered therapeutic contact between a child and parent for reunification services. Additionally, the committee discussed approving a new member, Jeremy Welsh, for the Transportation Coordinating Committee, updating membership for the Comprehensive Community Services Coordination Committee, and preparing for a mandatory Public Health 140 review scheduled for March.

The Executive and Finance Committee meeting involved discussions and potential amendments to the agenda, followed by the approval of minutes from the June 25th and July 9th meetings. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update and discussion regarding the county comprehensive planning process, including the scope of work, community engagement plans (involving multiple meetings with local units of government), data analysis strategies, and the focus on intergovernmental cooperation, economic development, and land use. The committee also addressed deferring the public comment period until after the administrator's report. Subsequent agenda items included a resolution recognizing the retirement of Health and Human Services employees, and discussion regarding the leasing of a new vehicle for the ambulance service. Members also requested specific data related to tourism, visitor lodging (Airbnb/VROB), school enrollment trends, and measuring progress on the comprehensive plan.

The meeting commenced with roll call, confirming quorum and compliance with open meeting laws. The agenda was approved. Key discussions included the election of a Vice Chair for the committee following a vacancy, with a new member nominated and approved. The Child Support Agency presented its first quarter 2025 report, noting performance below the benchmark for current child support collection due to factors such as an increased number of paying parents being incarcerated or entering treatment centers, and cases involving interstate enforcement. The committee received updates from the HHS Director on various units, including the ADRC's wellness stride event and volunteer recognition, updates from behavioral health, child and youth services success with reunifications, and the modernization of the computer software system to 'Thrive' by 2027. Financial reports indicated a significant surplus after initial prorating of the tax levy, and the expenditure report reflected utilization of the new Tyler financial system for payroll and employee portals. Discussions also covered resource availability for families when child support payments are delayed, and the impact of state legislative budget changes on funding.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and amendments to the previous August 13, 2024 meeting minutes. Key discussions involved public comment regarding the role of corporate counsel and HR responsibilities concerning an employee termination process at Pine Valley that allegedly bypassed county policy. The administrative report covered the preliminary budget and a detailed labor cost analysis for Pine Valley. This analysis addressed concerns about staffing adequacy, presenting data comparing federal regulations (e.g., required direct care hours, RN presence) against current staffing levels, noting that Pine Valley currently exceeds minimum staffing requirements based on direct employees alone. Financial figures highlighted significant increases in overtime and agency costs between 2021 and 2023, with efforts underway to manage these costs and reduce reliance on external staffing by right-sizing internal staff utilization. The financial health of Pine Valley was affirmed, noting healthy operational cash reserves of approximately $4.4 million. Discussions also clarified that funds returned to the county offset the debt levy paid by taxpayers, rather than subsidizing general operations.

The Public Safety Standing Committee meeting addressed the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous September 2nd meeting. The primary discussion revolved around Resolution 2296, which requires the committee to formulate a document outlining budget cuts to meet criteria set by the Finance and Personnel Committee. These cuts are stipulated to lower the levy budget by specific amounts across 2024 through 2027. Committee members expressed significant concerns regarding the magnitude of the required cuts, particularly as Public Safety is considered a core county function. Input was received from the Coroner's office, noting the uncontrollable nature of their revenue (driven by deaths) and the difficulty in achieving the required cuts without impacting mandated services, such as autopsy requirements. The Family Court Commissioner also indicated that proposed cuts would reduce her salary to 1997 levels with minimal non-salary budget items available for reductions. The District Attorney's office reported that their budget is 95.6% composed of salaries and benefits, making cuts extremely challenging without risking mandated services, like handling restraining orders, and potentially jeopardizing State Court Aid revenue. The committee is tasked with formulating a response detailing the impact of these mandated cuts and suggesting alternative considerations.