County trims Code Blue budget after OTDA allocation shift; core services to continue
After OTDA changed Code Blue funding to a capped allocation, Tompkins County's annual allocation dropped from roughly $2.0M to about $841,000; DSS said core 24/7 Code Blue operations will continue with VOA as provider, but staffing and pay (RAs from $28 to $23/hr) were adjusted and the county will rely more on community donations.
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DSS staff told the committee that in 2023 OTDA moved Code Blue to a capped upfront allocation model and Tompkins County's allocation was reduced by about $1.159 million (from roughly $2.0 million to an $841,000 allocation). Staff said the county will maintain core Code Blue services (24/7 operation at the Cherry Street site, warming center, showers, laundry and case management) and that VOA will be the provider for the season running Nov. 15'Apr. 15. The department said it will bill insurance for medical services when possible and will monitor expenditures closely.
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