B120208
New Hanover County
• Board of Social Services
Minutes
Multipurpose Room A
9:00a.m. -10:00a.m.
The New Hanover County Board of Social Services met in open session on Tuesday,
December 2, 2008 at 9:00 in Multipurpose Room A of the New Hanover County
Department of Social Services.
ATTENDING: John E. Craig, Chairman; Bill Caster, Vice Chairman; Minerva Glidden;
Evelyn Bryant; Patrick Riley
ALSO ATTENDING: LaVaughn Nesmith, Secretary to the Board; Stephanie Monteath,
Assistant to the Director
Mr. Craig called the meeting to order at 9:11 a.m.
Mr. Caster led the invocation. Ms. Bryant led the pledge of allegiance.
Ms. Glidden moved for approval of the agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Riley
and passed unanimously.
• CONSENT AGENDA
Ms. Glidden moved to approve the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr.
Caster and passed unanimously.
INFORMATION AGENDA
New Hires
Stephanie Monteath introduced Nicole Murray, Carolyn DeGrammont and Julia Baer as
CPS Social Workers. Linda Atkinson was introduced as a Food and Nutrition
Caseworker.
Service Awards
Shannon Orlando has completed 5 years of service with New Hanover County. Dean
Hollandsworth has completed 10 years of service with New Hanover County. Theodora
Stenson has completed 15 years of service with New Hanover County.
State Service Awards Certificates
Mary John Brantley and Lawanda Granger were recognized by the State of North
Carolina and given certificates for 25 years of service. Peggy Foose, Lisa Johnson,
Andrea Kelly, Angela Lewis, Cheryl Mote, "Baby Contest Winner" Loretta Murphy,
Bette Jean Peyton and Leslie Smiley were recognized by the State of North Carolina and
given certificates for 20 years of service. Joann Swart was recognized by the State of
North Carolina for 40 years of dedicated service.
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• SSDI
Significant Service Delivery Indicator numbers were reviewed. There were no comments
about the SSDI.
County Budget Expenditures
Chris McNamee reviewed the areas of the budget which were highlighted. Additional
CIP funds were received this year for heating and cooling expenses. Ms. McNamee
explained that DSS distributes the Senior Disabled Low Income Tax Benefit. Ms.
Glidden asked why the number for psychological services is so low. Ms. McNamee
explained that the money will be spent but DSS is waiting for the invoices from health
care providers to come in. Money in this category is also used for reunification
assistance and for assisting to move children out of leveled facilities.
Director's Report
There were no comments or questions about the Director's report.
STRATEGIC ACTION AGENDA
Budget Process
Ms. McNamee explained that the budget process aligns with Leading By Results (LBR).
Guiding principles in budget development were reviewed to include: improving inter and
intra agency communications to be professionally responsive to all County residents in
need of services; enhance processes to provide services efficiently; provide adequate
resources and supports to recruit and retain staff, and creatively adapt to changing
County demographics. Parameters such as budget, State mandates, reimbursements and
funding were reviewed. Ms. McNamee outlined various budget constraints such as
unfunded/under-funded mandates; changing legislation; funding streams with
restrictions; State standards; increased caseloads; etc. Sam Lane talked about the huge
increase of requests for services in Food and Nutrition, Child Care and Medicaid. Mr.
Nesmith explained the need to restructure the lobby to be an all-inclusive intake area for
all services as noted in DSS's recent audit. The steps to complete the budget are as
follows: leadership meeting to discuss strategies that will improve outcomes; unit and
division meetings to discuss and justify needs; Staff training on County and State budget
procedures and templates; Matching anticipated state and federal revenues with agency
needs; Addressing gaps with anticipated county revenues; Revising proposed budget to
address all constraints; Board retreat to discuss and amend budget proposal; Submission
of budget to county administration. Ms. McNamee recapped the presentation and
explained that the Board should feel comfortable enough and have enough information to
be able to advocate for DSS's requested budget. Bill Caster asked how many positions
were frozen in DSS. Sam Lane has an Administrative Support position vacant. Chris
McNamee has had a vacant position since last Spring. She has requested this position be
filled under a new classification as Information Support was moved under the County.
Mr. Caster asked if janitorial services and such were included in DSS's budget. Ms.
McNamee explained it goes into overhead for DSS.
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Child Support Update
Carla West explained that the economic downturn has effected Child Support collections.
Many people have lost their jobs or are unable to find jobs. Originally the forecast was to
increase collections by 5%. Young Williams is working very closely with the Court
system putting together information packets. Information includes how to adjust child
support when a non-custodial parent loses a job or has less income instead of not paying
at all. Mr. Nesmith explained when Young Williams collects more than expected, the
County receives incentive money which aids in payment of the Young Williams contract.
Budget Retreat Date
A motion to choose February 17, 2009 for the Board Retreat Date was made by Mr.
Caster. The motion was seconded by Mr. Craig and passed unanimously. The Board
Retreat and Board Meeting will be combined from 9:00 - 3:00. Lunch will be served.
The meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Government Center. Bill Caster
suggested the meeting be televised.
Next Meeting Objectives
Adult Services Update
Director's Evaluation
• Board Self Evaluation
The Board completed self evaluations.
Additional Item
Wanda Marino reminded everyone about the Foster Care roller skating party at Scooters
from 6p.m. - 8p.m on Tuesday, December 16tH
As there were no additional items to discuss as provided in G.S. 154A-98 to consider
information that is confidential pursuant to G.S. 108A-80 and or G.S. 154A-98, the board
by consensus adjourned at 10:09 a.m.
Respectfu y submitted,
XNesmith,
Secretary to the Board
John E. Craig,
Chairman
Date approved: t- o4- 05
LN: scm
B12022008
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