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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-20-2023 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES March 20,2023 THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MET ON MONDAY: March 20, 2023 at Hillsborough Commons. BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS PRESENT: Oscar Fleming, Jane Garrett, Pat Garavaglia, Ann Wilkerson, and Jamezetta Bedford. GUEST: None BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Nancy Coston, Social Services Director; Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Manager; and Brittany Mann, Social Work Program Manager. I. Call to Order and Introductions DSS Chair, Pat Garavaglia, called the meeting to order at 4:06 pm. II. Board Comments None. III. Public Comments None. IV. Agenda Changes None. V. Action Items On a motion by Ann Wilkerson, the Board approved the minutes of February 20, 2023. Jane Garrett seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. VI. Items for Discussion and/or Decision 1. Medicaid Updates Nancy Coston, Director, provided the Board with Medicaid updates. She explained there must be an approved state budget before Medicaid Expansion can occur. She stated the agency and is planning for the Expansion. Oscar Fleming asked if there was any hope for help from the State for counties with the Expansion. Director Coston shared there is a legislative bill that has $50 million to help DSS agencies staff. The Governor has put $100 million in his budget proposal for this. There is an assumption from legislators they will need to allocate money to help DSS agencies prepare. Director Coston also shared other ways being considered to assist with the workload including North Carolina having the ability to choose to have the Marketplace complete the eligibility process; it would then get downloaded to DSS indicating the applicant is eligible. Director Coston shared there was a legal action filed against the state and a county about not being able to get a live person through the DSS phone system in regards to Medicaid. The settlement from the lawsuit has requirements for all DSS agencies that we do not currently have. DSS is working with County IT and leadership about this. This includes making sure we have tracking to prove we 1 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SOCIAL SERVICES March 20,2023 have called people back. Callers also need an option that allows them to bypass voicemail and speak to a live person. Director Coston explained there is money in the budget to update part of our phone system. The requirements go into effect on 4/1/23. We must have a plan of how we are addressing the requirement by 4/1/23. Legal services will be calling DSS agencies to make sure all are in compliance. Ann Wilkerson asked if the County is looking at upgrading the county phone system as a whole or just DSS due to cost effectiveness. Director Coston shared she is unsure but she does know there was money allocated previously for DSS phone upgrades. 2. Employee Appreciation Nancy Coston shared the employee appreciation event held on March 3, 2023 was a big hit with our employees. Pat Garavaglia shared 111 prizes were given out. Board Members Jane Garrett and Pat Garavaglia attended. They both commented the event was fun. Pat Garavaglia commented she thought it was terrific due to the high stress nature of the jobs at DSS. 3. Outside Agencies Board members, Jane Garrett and Oscar Fleming, participated in the review of the outside agencies assigned to DSS this year. This included reviewing applications and meeting with outside agencies with the County Manager. Jane Garrett stated it was helpful to hear the presentations of the outside agencies to gain more understanding of their request for funding. Oscar Fleming stated he enjoyed being a part of the process and appreciated being able to provide feedback to the County Manger. Nancy Coston commented the County Manager will invite them to a feedback session in planning for next year. 4. Director's Report Nancy Coston shared DSS and Health are offering a Community Health Fair in April in the DSS parking lot. A flyer was provided to Board members. Director Coston shared she and Crystal Mitchell, Human Services Program Manager will be providing an overview of child welfare and the issues facing child welfare tomorrow evening at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. 5. Executive Session Oscar Fleming moved into Executive Session pursuant to §143-318.11(a)(1) referencing § 7B- 2901(b). Jane Garrett seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. VII. Announcements Pat Garavaglia moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:27 pm. Jamezetta Bedford seconded the motion. The motion was carried without dissent. Submitted by: Nancy Coston, DSS Director Pat Garavaglia, Chair 2