HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_1432The primary focus of the new program will be to get people
employed.
Commissioner Fortner asked if DSS would need more help in
assisting people in finding jobs. Wall mentioned the JOBS Program
was reduced by three employees last year. (It was never actually
stated if additional help would be needed.)
Wall mentioned that previously, homeless people were
automatically eligible for benefits. This will not necessarily be
true in the future. Legal aliens will not be eligible for
benefits. This group of people will go off the program in July of
this year. In addition, Wall mentioned the spotlight seems to be
focused on Able Bodied Adults without Dependent Children (ABADs).
This group is mostly composed of drug addicts and alcoholics.
The final plan for North Carolina is to be submitted to the
federal government by July 1, 1997. Wall said a group throughout
the State has been working on this plan.
Mr. Wall said he could not give any concrete projections about
welfare reform. He did say that all of his staff were trying to
advise their clients about the work philosophy.
MENTAL HEALTH: A copy of the June 30, 1996, audit for Tri -County
Mental Health was distributed to the commissioners. Mr. Mashburn
mentioned the County was mandated to provide mental health
services. There seems to be some interest in dissolving the Tri -
County Mental Health Authority (catchment area). Davie County is
definitely interested in ending its relationship. Mr. Mashburn
said that if Iredell County went as a single -county unit, it would
probably cost more.
Chairman Haire said she understood that recently a letter went
to Tri -County's adult clientele advising that a physician would not
be provided in the future.
The group shared several items that displeased them about the
current situation:
• Some County nonprofit agencies say the clients of Tri -
County wind up at their offices for services. This is
because Tri -County cannot see them. The nonprofits do not
feel this is fair, especially in light of the County money
distributed to Tri -County ($289,170 a year currently).
• Clients seeking assistance sometimes have to travel to Rowan
County.
• Tri -County has over 60 vacancies at the present.
• Tri -County has such a poor reputation that local referring
agencies will not refer to it.
• Tri -County has good employees, but poor management.
• Tri -County has such a poor reputation, its questionable
about it being able to attract a professional staff in the
future.
• Complaints are made daily to some of the commissioners.
NOTION by Commissioner Johnson that a letter be sent to the
Chairman of the Tri -County Mental Health Board of Directors
advising that, in the future, Iredell County's commissioner
appointee (Fortner) be notified of any and all upcoming meetings
and for Mrs. Fortner to be allowed to participate fully in all
meetings.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
Mr. Mashburn mentioned Davie County had appointed a Task Force
to review mental health services. Commissioner Johnson said he
would like Iredell to review what other counties are doing.
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