HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-20-2023MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
June 20, 2023
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THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON TUESDAY: June 20, 2023 at
Hillsborough Commons.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Oscar Fleming, Jane Garrett, Pat Garavaglia, Ann
Wilkerson, and Jamezetta Bedford.
BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Social Services Director; Lindsey Shewmaker, Human Services Manager;
Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager; Sharron Hinton, Human Services Manager, and Rebekah Rapoza,
Fiscal Operations Manager.
I. Call to Order and Introductions
DSS Chair, Pat Garavaglia, called the meeting to order at 4:03 pm.
II. Board Comments
None.
III. Public Comments
None.
IV. Agenda Changes
None.
V. Action Items
On a motion by Pat Garavaglia, the Board approved the minutes of May 15, 2023. Ann Wilkerson
seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision
1. Energy Outreach Plan
Lindsey Shewmaker presented the proposed energy outreach plan for FY2023-24.
Ann Wilkerson made a motion to approve the Energy Outreach Plan. Jamezetta Bedford seconded
the motion. The motion was carried without dissent.
2. DSS Board Rules
Lindsey Shewmaker went through a School of Government presentation on DSS Board Rules and
Procedures. The original presentation was shared with the Board.
3. Foster Care/Adoption Rate Increase
Crystal Mitchell provided an update from the General Assembly on Foster Care rates for FY2023-
24. Foster families and kinship placements receive some type of funding to support the care of the
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES
June 20, 2023
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child placed in the home. Kinship placements are paid at half the foster care board rate. The
increased rates are estimated to cost the County an additional $57,000 in foster care board
payments and $55,000 in adoption assistance. There may be some additional revenue if legislation
that would provide payments to kinship placements is passed by the General Assembly.
Ann Wilkerson noted that she appreciated and enjoyed the Foster Parent Appreciation event last
month.
4. Budget Update
Nancy Coston updated the Board on the budget status. There are three agenda abstracts on the
consent agenda at the Board of County Commissioners Association tonight. Otherwise there has
not been much change related to the budget.
5. Director’s Report
There was a job fair June 7th at the Sheraton in Chapel Hill. There were approximately 50
employers and 40 participants in attendance.
The lease at Gateway was renewed for the fiscal year.
The Veterans’ Services Officer has been posted after being reworked.
There are currently 22 vacancies which is an improvement.
Staff have moved back to Southern Human Services. The front is now closed and the entrance is
on the side to finish the HVAC installation.
VII. Announcements
Jamezetta Bedford moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:13 pm. Ann Wilkerson seconded the motion. The motion
was carried without dissent.
Submitted by:
Nancy Coston, DSS Director
Pat Garavaglia, Chair