Shelby County’s board voted Sept. 11 to approve a resolution in support of CEFS and the federal programs it administers for county residents, and subsequently approved budget amendments and appropriation transfers to fund a PCOM oversight position for the CEFS public transit system.

Board members Matlock and Miller presented the resolution, which the clerk said had been sent to seven county boards CEFS serves. The resolution identifies the full range of CEFS services supported locally on the record, including: the Community Services Block Grant; Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; Weatherization Assistance Program; Head Start; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs; the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; rural public transportation; the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; Senior Nutrition and transportation; and the Senior Health Insurance Program. The board approved the resolution by voice vote.

Later in the meeting, the board voted on proposed budget amendments and appropriation transfers and the CEFS budget to fund the PCOM position, described in the meeting as the oversight/management position for the CEFS public transit system. The budget amendments and transfers passed on roll call and the record shows the measures passed unanimously.

Why it matters: CEFS administers several federal and state programs that provide energy assistance, transportation, senior services and workforce supports. Funding an oversight position for the county’s CEFS public transit component formalizes local support for transit operations and reporting.

Discussion vs. decision: The resolution was an expression of support. The budget amendments represent formal fiscal action to allocate funds for a position assigned to CEFS transit oversight.

Ending: County staff will implement the approved amendments and oversee hiring or assignment to the PCOM role as required by CEFS and county budgeting procedures; the board did not discuss the position’s salary on the record at the Sept. 11 meeting.