The fiscal supervisor reported that for 2024, overall expenditures exceeded the budget by 14%, driven by rising personnel costs, software licenses, and increased expenses for adult mental health placements. Although the board had anticipated using $566,645 from the fund balance, the actual shortfall amounted to $518,635. Federal and state grants accounted for 42% of revenue, with county tax contributing 48%. This shift in revenue sources reflects the department’s efforts to enhance billing for services and secure grants.

The board discussed the economic assistance funding, noting that federal and state funding accounted for 53% of the revenue for this department. In 2024, the department processed 231 new applications for economic assistance, surpassing the previous five-year average. While food support and healthcare applications increased, emergency and cash assistance applications decreased. A question was raised about the rise in food support applications possibly indicating a growing community need for financial aid, although the board clarified that increased applications do not guarantee increased assistance due to eligibility criteria based on household size, income, utility, and housing expenses.

The complexities of determining eligibility for assistance programs were also addressed, particularly concerning how income and assets are evaluated. Concerns were raised about HUD’s rent thresholds, which may not accurately reflect local rent conditions, leading to some applicants being disqualified. Additionally, the board reviewed the financial performance of the social services department, which reported expenses 10% over budget and revenue 6% less than anticipated. Notably, the costs for children in out-of-home placements exceeded budget forecasts, with 15 children placed in 2024, an increase from previous years.

Further discussion centered on the public health department, where costs exceeded budget expectations by 46%, yet revenues were 41% above projections. The department anticipated using $366,645 of the fund balance but only required $43,293. The importance of maintaining a healthy fund balance was emphasized to cover operational costs before tax distributions begin. The board also examined the role of the fund balance in competitive grant applications and its importance as a financial safety net.

The meeting also addressed staffing updates, including the introduction of Bob Nelson as the new children’s mental health case manager. However, two positions within the children and family services team remained vacant, with efforts ongoing to fill these roles. The resignation of a coordinated crisis response worker was acknowledged, and the behavioral health team is being re-evaluated.

Several program initiatives were discussed, such as the medication lockbox program funded by opioid settlement funds, and the department’s participation in suicide intervention skills training. Although a grant application for substance use prevention was unsuccessful, future competitive grant opportunities are anticipated. Concerns about proposed changes to the SNAP program were raised, which could increase financial responsibilities for counties and restrict eligibility for benefits. The department intends to conduct outreach to inform community members about these potential impacts.

The board also reviewed amendments to the public health human services advisory council bylaws, aimed at improving recruitment and support for new members. Significant changes include removing the requirement for vice chair candidates to have served at least one year and formalizing an orientation for new members. These changes were previously approved, with minor corrections noted during the review.