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2017-10-02 Budget mtg - Health for 2018Budget meeting with Health and Social Services October 2, 2017 2 p.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Becky Butler, Steve Walton, Sandi Andrus, Danette York, JP Anderson, Bill Teitzel Guests: Justyna Tomtas, Mitch Townsend, Matt Brock, Bill Marshall, Anthony Ahrens Recorder: Rieva Lester Danette York discussed Resolution 100917.1 – Amendment #14 to the Consolidated Contract, #C17116 between Lewis County and WA State Department of Health (DOH), a possible resolution with the Tribe and a proclamation recognizing October 23-27 as Code Enforcement Officers Appreciation Week. Commissioner Fund made a motion to move two resolutions and one proclamation to the Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, Board of Health meeting. Commissioner Stamper seconded. Motion passed 2-0. Bill Teitzel left at 2:06 p.m. SOCIAL SERVICES 2018 prelim budget Revenue: $2,499,635; expenditures: $2,663,578; change in fund balance: ($163,943); FTEs: 5.02 Danette York said millage is one of the main funding sources. She said it has to been spent on programs for mental health or developmentally disabled individuals. Danette said half or a little more is spent on programs for the developmentally disabled. Danette said a portion from document recording fees are set aside for housing programs. JP Anderson gave an overview of the help provided for Housing Resource, such as emergency shelter beds, case manager assessments, housing support, and tracking the homeless population. Danette said the county contracts with the Housing Resource Center, the Human Response Network, the Salvation Army, and Reliable Enterprises. She said the county also works on “mini-grants” with entities such as the Gospel Mission. Danette said one requirement is to have a five-year plan to address homelessness. She said a group called the Affordable Housing Network meets regularly and will begin work on the five-year plan. Danette said the group is considering hiring a consultant to look at practices in place elsewhere to help reduce homelessness. JP Anderson discussed the use of case management services, which help identify an individual’s needs and the resources to best meet those needs. He said the county lacks the necessary capacity to address locals’ needs. Danette said many landlords won’t rent to individuals who have received housing vouchers. JP Anderson touched on the lease regulations landlords must follow in order to accept the vouchers. Danette discussed a group that has formed to address homelessness in Lewis County. She said the effort is to think outside the box to address homelessness. Mitch Townsend asked why the county isn’t investing money in creating its own facilities. Danette said the county partnered with Reliable Enterprises several years ago and invested in an apartment building, Magnolia Place, to create a half-way house of sorts for individuals who frequent the jail. She said Magnolia Place is usually at full capacity. Bill Marshall asked if homeless migration is a problem. JP Anderson said the homeless population is transient by definition. He talked about identifying whether a homeless person is from the local area to help determine resources available. Danette discussed the county’s contract with the state Department of Social and Health Services, which provides funding for services. She said much of the funding is centered on employment, becoming self- sufficient, and developing life skills. Danette discussed how individuals can reach out for help. Commissioner Stamper discussed the Cispus Learning Center grant. He described it as an afterschool program of sorts. Danette said Lewis County is one of only 13 counties in the state that combines Public Health and Social Services. Danette discussed the program that addresses substance abuse. She said a few years ago, the state mandated participation in a regional program, and subsequently, Great Rivers Behavioral Help has taken over much of the work on substance abuse prevention. Danette discussed the grant secured for the Naloxone kits, which already have been credited with saving a woman’s life. ANIMAL SHELTER 2018 prelim budget Revenue: $136,000; expenditures: $378,200; FTEs: 3.35 Danette said most of the animal shelter’s expenses are offset by current expense, donations and bequests. She said the bequests are being set aside for future improvements, including possibly rebuilding or adding on to the existing shelter. Danette said the facility seldom has to euthanize animals. Danette said cities are billed for use of the shelter. Mitch Townsend suggested implementing a countywide registration fee to help raise funds for the animal shelter. Danette discussed the newly created kennel license fee that was designed to curb puppy mills. Danette discussed some of the difficult animal seizure cases the county has faced. She said animal hoarding and puppy mill cases require the county to house the animals in question until the case has gone through the courts. She said construction of an additional facility would help with that. She said the hope would be to have someone draw up plans for a new facility for free – or for a small fee. Danette said RCW requires to have animal services provided, either by the county or another contracted entity. Danette said the shelter has a very small area to house seized horses, etc. She said the county works closely with volunteers who foster the larger animals. Bill Marshall offered advice on how to address problems with mud. Danette discussed the budget constraints the shelter faces for staffing. VETERANS RELIEF FUND 2018 prelim budget Revenue: $166,852; expenditures: $180,632; FTEs: .65 Danette discussed the relief available to help area veterans. She said veterans can be helped with housing, gas, groceries, etc. She said qualifying veterans and their widows or widowers can receive up to $750 in help annually. She said George Dodd is the benefits specialist and can determine the veteran receives the benefits and assistance for which they qualify. Danette said George and the Veterans Advisory Board perform a lot of outreach to help members of the community and spread awareness. Becky said the funding comes from forest board yield, timber excises, and property taxes. Archie Smith joined the meeting at 3:04 p.m. Danette discussed the past use of “mini grants” to help community members. Mitch Townsend asked about the animal cruelty assessments. Danette said those are in a separate fund. Mitch suggested harnessing the efforts of those who have expressed concerns about Hank/Tank. Anthony Ahrens asked about the status of the charges against the county employees. Danette said the charges have been dismissed with prejudice. Meeting ended at 3:13 p.m.