County staff flag possible contract to house DSS clients at Berkshire motel; common spaces, transport cited

County Department of Social Services staff told the Health and Human Services Committee on Aug. 19 that discussions are underway with the Berkshire motel in Supervisor Adams’s town about using the property to house Department of Social Services (DSS) clients and to support a warming center.
The discussion matters because the motel would provide immediate room capacity and common areas county staff say could be adapted for laundry, offices, a kitchen, a community room and an apartment for families.
“They're looking at the space,” said a DSS staff member. “We do have, say, 27 rooms out there.” The staff member added that the motel has rehabs on its rooms in the last 18 months and that the rooms themselves are “basically new,” while the county would focus on upgrading common-space infrastructure such as drainage, well service and backup power.
DSS staff said an architect has been engaged and that the motel’s owner is open to pursuing a contract; Supervisor Adams helped arrange the initial discussions because the facility is in her town. The staff member said a contract “would appear coming somewhere down the pipe” and that the department would bring a contractual proposition to committee “well in advance” for review.
Committee members asked about timing and capacity. DSS staff said they expect to be ready in the fall to place clients in rooms, and that they plan to re-open a warming center in November if the program budget is available. The staff member also said the department is working with local transit to add or adjust bus service to the eastern part of the county and that providing on-site, full-time service providers would reduce transportation needs for clients.
Discussion was described as preliminary; no formal contract or vote occurred during the Aug. 19 meeting. Committee members recommended the department return with a formal proposal and the results of due diligence, including renderings, contractor timelines and operating plans.
DSS staff noted logistics the county would need to address if a contract proceeds — staffing, transportation, generator and drainage upgrades, and contingency plans for severe weather to avoid moving residents if power or access is lost.
The department said it would share the proposed contract and supporting materials with committee members before any vote and is available to hold a breakout session for more detailed review.