Human Services previews 2027 budget changes, reclassifications and service priorities

Department staff presented a detailed walkthrough of the Human Services budget narrative, emphasizing measurement work, position changes and targeted reductions. "So on page 15 in your packet is our budget narrative...The 1st page, 1st and 2nd page each have 2 accomplishments from each of our 5 visions, along with a few goals and performance measures. We're working on assigning more percentages to the things we track and monitor," the presenter said (Department presenter, Speaker 2).

Staff described several personnel changes: reclassifications in administration, repurposing a psychotherapist to add a crisis supervisor, adding a 50% ADRC specialist (state-funded), and converting project-funded jail case managers and a shared crisis specialist into positions considered for the table of organization. Several items were removed from the proposed budget (for example, a requested supervisor position and a planned van purchase), and some grant lines to community partners were trimmed based on low activity. Staff also warned that while grant funding is secured short-term for some project positions, there is no guarantee beyond the grant period, and the board should expect discussions about sustaining positions if grants lapse.

Board members pressed for clarity about pay grade changes tied to reclassifications, timing for grant expirations, and where certain costs will be carried if projects transition to county staffing. Staff committed to returning with additional detail where necessary and to bring some items back for the legislative committee or full-board consideration.