Henderson County Board of Social Services February 18th 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes A. Call to Order The Henderson County Board of Social Services meeting was called to order by Chair Simpson at 12:04. Board Members Present Josh Simpson, Chair Melinda Lowrance, Member Stephen Gwaltney, Member Amy Holt, Member Staff Leadership Present Lorie Horne, Social Services Director Debra Dunn, Deputy Director Melissa Novack, Finance Officer Candice Fowler, Administrative Assistant Vicki Huntley- F&C Medicaid Program Manager Guest None B. Public Input None C. Adjustments to the Agenda None D. Approval of Minutes Mr. Gwaltney moved to approve January 215t, 2025, minutes, Mrs. Lowrance seconded the motion. All board members present were in favor, the minutes were approved. E. Reports Director's Monthly Report (Attachment I) Questions Only Mr. Gwaltney asked Director Horne if she felt that operations were back to normal at the agency since the hurricane. Director Horne stated yes, staff are working to assist the clients with emergency and disaster funding as well as essential funding for adult services and CPS. Mr. Simpson asked if there was an uptick in the numbers for LEIAP funding. Mrs. Huntley explained that the beginning of LEIAP funding is for a specific age population and later extends to everyone. Director Horne stated that there was an uptick in the numbers as the temperatures dropped. Director Horne let the board know that the agency has received disaster rental funding, disaster relief funding, child welfare funding, and adult services funding. With the disaster funds there is no limit on times that one can apply and do not have to be a current client with social services. If the funds are not used, they will be re-allocated to counties that are in need. Mrs. Holt spoke about the long-term recovery group. Client needs are being met, families are matched with case workers who will guide them through the entire assistance process. February Employees of the Month (Attachment II) Questions only None February 2025 Page 2 January 2024- January 2025 Statistical Report (Attachment III) Questions only Mrs. Holt asked about the number of people that were served during DSNAP. Director Horne stated that there were roughly 8,000 people that came through. February Program Administrator's Report (Attachment IV) Questions only Board members asked about a difficult placement situation. Director Horne stated that a temporary arrangement has been made. Financial Report January 2025 (Attachment V) Mrs. Novack stated that the FY 25/26 budget must be approved in the March 2025 meeting and the budget materials will be sent out to the board members in early March. Chair Simpson asked what key needs the board will need to advocate for. Director Horne stated that there is no need for new staff, but there will be an increase in the IT budget with a scanning project and laptop replacement. The two smaller vehicles are now ten years old and need to be replaced with larger vehicles to accommodate large sibling groups. G. Old Business DSS Staffing Update Director Horne stated that the agency currently has 11 vacancies in total, four positions will be filled 2/24/25. H. New Business Work First Approval Mrs. Huntley explained to the board the work first program, guidelines, and changes. Work first is a program that offers temporary cash assistance for qualifying families until the parents/grandparents can get back to work permanently. Chair Simpson moved to approve the Work First plan; Mrs. Lowrance seconded the motion. All board members were in favor. I. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 12:46 pm. - 3/3125 hks Josh Simpson, Chair Date Lorie Horne, Secretary to the Board Date February 2025 Page 3 Attachments: I. Director's Report -February 2025 II. February Employees of the Month III. Statistical Report - January 2025 IV. Program Administrators' Report -February 2025 V. Financial Report - January 2024 VI. Work First Approval