County approves DSS purchase of AI caseworker assistant and four SUVs; foundation grant offsets cost

The Finance Committee on July 9 approved two Department of Social Services purchasing actions: a budget amendment of $82,807 to buy an AI‑powered caseworker assistant suite (EVA phone, recitation assistant, Companion and setup) and the award of a mini‑bid for four small SUVs at a total cost of $95,082.72.

Resolution D authorizes the software purchase. Committee materials list component costs that total $82,807, including a one‑time setup fee of $15,000 and annual components whose combined ongoing cost is estimated at $67,807. The county expects state and federal reimbursement for portions of the purchase and recorded a $20,000 grant from the Glens Falls Foundation; the remaining county cost for 2026 is $21,982, to be covered by decreasing the DSS vehicle equipment appropriation.

Separately the committee accepted the Commissioner of Social Services’ recommendation to award Mini‑Bid #2026‑G for four 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS SUVs to G and H Auto Group d/b/a Mohawk Chevrolet for $95,082.72.

Committee members and the CIO said the software will streamline eligibility determinations and help meet state/federal timeliness standards; the Commissioner and CIO emphasized it will not replace employees but act as an efficiency tool.