HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1966 (2)Commissioner Stewart said the DSS request pertained to children, and the Board should be
concerned about meeting the needs of children. She said the problem was "real and present." She
further said there was an imminent problem or the DSS director would not be willing to sacrifice a
piece of equipment (imaging system) in order to obtain the workers.
Commissioner Fortner agreed and said it was evident the community at -large was concerned
about child abuse and neglect.
Commissioner Boone said the county had devoted a tremendous amount of resources to
help remedy the problems. He mentioned he felt a great deal of the increase was due to a change
in state law. Boone said that in 1955 or 1956 there were 15-20 employees at DSS, and the county's
population was approximately 60,000. The present population is 108,000 (1997-98 estimate), and
the county has 160 DSS employees. Boone said the figures revealed that all of the social programs
had not solved the problems in society. Commissioner Boone concluded by saying, "The whole
psychology of social programs has not worked. It's a sad commentary."
Commissioner Johnson asked the "total ticket price" for the seven positions. Wall said it
was $115,752 (county money).
Commissioner Stewart said if the entire imaging system was sacrificed, the DSS department
would have enough money with a little left over.
Commissioner Fortner asked the total cost of the imaging system. Wall said it was $136,000.
MOTION y Commissioner Stewart to approve the request to establish one new Social
Worker Supervisor III position and six new Social Worker III positions based on the new formula
of available funds and to eliminate the imaging system in the 98-99 budget.
Commissioner Boone mentioned the $250,000 approved in the 98-99 budget for DSS
property acquisition. He said he recalled that $70,000 had been spent.
AMENDMENT TO THE MOTIONJ by Boone to include a reduction of $100,000 to the
$250,000 budgeted for property acquisition. (The property acquisition money would now be
$150,000.)
Mr. Mashburn said the $250,000 was in capital reserve. He continued by saying that at the
last meeting there was an appropriation to the schools and the capital reserve and fund balance were
reduced. Mashburn said he was asked at the September 1 meeting if there would be enough money
to assist the courts. He said he answered the question by saying there would be enough money left
over, but that his answer was based upon the feeling that all of the money would not be spent this
year for property. Mashburn said, "I was anticipating not spending all of that money this year for
property."
AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDMENTI by Boone, that in reference to the $250,000 in
the 98-99 budget in Capital Reserve designated for DSS property acquisition that this amount be
reduced to $100,000 and to increase the undesignated amount in capital reserve by $150,000.
Commissioners' Stewart and Fortner asked the purpose for the amendments. Boone said
it would mean the money would not be spent this year. Stewart asked what happened if other
properties near DSS became available. Boone said he didn't think the County could justify
purchasing them unless they were offered for much less.
After considerable Board discussion, Commissioner Boone withdrew his amendment.
Commissioner Johnson said he understood the savings produced Mr. Wall, using part of the
imaging system, was $73,675. Mr. Wali said he identified enough money to support the seven