COUMTS ntyofloe  Micka T. Stanton DIRECTOR  Services  TELEPHONE (910)875-8725 FAX (910)848-7766  Deparfsy  RABO EFNC2836.4340 IISREV  MINUTES FOR MEETING OF  THE HOKE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL: SERVICES BOARD  February 26, 2024  A1 meeting of the Hoke County Department of Social Services (the "Board") was held at 4:00 p.m. on February 26, 2024 int the Robert A. Wright- Hoke County Agriculture Building at 663 E. Palmer Road, Raeford, NC, pursuant to notice duly given. The following Board Members ("BM"), constituting a quorum, were present:  Linda Revels, Chair Harry Southerland Allen Thomas, Jr. Virginia Chason Carl A. Pevia  Also present representing the Department were Terry Stanton, Director ofthe Hoke County Department ofs Social Services; Deidra Hadley, Personnel Tech I; Barbara Mena, Administrative Officer; Diane Simmons, Program Manager over Income Maintenance and Child Support; and Johnathan Charleston, Department of Social  Services Attorney.  Chair Revels called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and welcomed the Board to  this month's meeting. Thereafter, BMPevia give the invocation.  Chair Revels asked for public comments. There were none.  Chair Revels asked for a motion to approve the consent agenda. BMI Pevia made a motion to approve the consent agenda consisting of(a) the. January 29, 20241 Minutes, (b) the next: meeting date ofMonday, March 25, 2024 which was seconded by BM Thomas.  The vote was unanimous.  Chair Revels asked for the Child Care update from Ms." Tammy Brewer. Mrs. Diane Simmons gave the update in Ms. Brewer's absence. Mrs. Simmons updated the Board on expenditures for. January service month. Ms. Simmons reported thet total amount spent inj preliminary expenditures was $185,936.00. The amount spent in Smart Start was $12,994.00. The amount spent in Non-Smart was $172,942.00. She stated that the current spending Coefficient is 86% (eighty-six percent). The Unexpended balance in Non-Smart Start is $1,105,523.00 and Unexpended balance in Smart Start is $12,730.00. Ms. Simmons reported that Child Care still doesn'thave a waiting list. BMI Pevia asked  An Equal Opportunity Employer    COUNT Gounty of Hoke  RAgAUANGIBISb4o GIEIEB  Micka T. Stanton DIRECTOR  Department OF  TELEPHONE (910)875-8725 FAX (910)848-7766  Social Services  about the 86% Coefficient and what is the state average. Director Stanton stated the state average was 90%. Director Stanton stated that the 86% has to do with the spending of funds. Chair Revels asked ift the Board had any other questions. There were none. Chair Revels asked for Fiscal Department Presentation. Ms. Barbara Mena gave her background history with the agency and educational background. Ms. Mena described all oft the duties that she assists with within the agency and outside of the agency. She gave an overview ofl her staff and their responsibilities. Ms. Mena discussed the Expense Report that is given to the Board each month. She also gave a handout to explain the 1571 balances. Thisl handout reflects the balances are posted 3 months behind. BM Pevia asked, "Ift the report is 3 months behind how do you budget for the new fiscal year?" Ms. Mena stated she doesn't know why the report is behind. BM Southerland asked that Director Stanton speak with Finance about this matter. Chair Revels asked, "Is your staff crossed trained if you're out?" Ms. Mena stated she is working on this at this time. BM Southerland stated Director Stanton should ensure that cross training is done forall departments. Director Stanton stated he has talked with Ms. Mena about this situation. Ms. Mena stated that her staff as a whole could get thej job done ifs she was out. Chair Revels asked if the Board has any other questions. There were none.  Chair Revels asked for the Director's. Presentation. Director Stanton directed The Board to the MOU and mention 2 items on the MOU. Director Stanton asked ifthere were any questions about the upcoming Stakeholders meeting on February 29th. Chair Revels thanked Mrs. Diane for her quick turnaround on getting this done. BM Southerland asked did a request go out to the newspaper and radio station to make an announcement? Ms. Diane stated they were not notified but will get that out to them. Director Stanton gave information on the Job Vacancies. He also, gave an update on the HATS building. Director Stanton had ai meeting with the County. Manager and they discussed a way to give back to the community. Notj just DSS but other Departments as well. BM Southerland asked about children in the building. Director Stanton stated that 3 siblings came in late one afternoon sO we. had them in the building forjust 3 days but we got them all placed. BM Southerland stated the County Commissioners Board has placed ahold on the purchase oft the home. They will discuss this further at al later time. Chair Revels asked ift the Board has any other questions. There were none.  Chair Revels asked for a motion to adjourn until Monday, March 25, 2024. BM Pevia made ai motion to adjourn which was seconded by BM Thomas. The vote was  unanimous.  An Equal Opportunity Employer    COUR intyof Hoise a  TELEPHONE 875-8725 (910)8 FAX (910)848-7766  Micka T. Stanton DIRECTOR  Services  RAPO  DT  RC3B34340 ABIISHED  Linda Revels, Chair  Micka T. Stanton, Secretary  Date  An Fnsial Amnarhmity Emnlover