Williams County commissioners spent an extended portion of their meeting debating whether to guarantee up to $500,000 so Job and Family Services (JFS) could certify contracts for out-of-home care for children in the county's custody.
The discussion centered on whether the county should issue a letter guaranteeing funds so the JFS director could obtain vendor signatures and certify contracts before the county transfers cash. Commissioners expressed concern about committing county funds for a state-administered function and about the timing and size of the request.
A commissioner summarized the legal constraint: “By statute, I believe … we're required to house these children that we have in our custody,” noting the county's limited options if children are taken into custody and the county lacks vendor contracts. Commissioners also described past matches and state funding: the county has previously provided $400,000 and received matching state funds; officials said not funding at the same level might jeopardize matching money in future years.
JFS had asked for authority to certify up to $500,000 to allow existing contracts to be signed and in place. Commissioners discussed alternatives, including guaranteeing a smaller amount now (suggested $250,000) and reconvening if the office needed more. One commissioner said, “I would rather see us make it at 250 now, and if we don't have enough, we can reconsider it.” Others worried that repeated smaller guarantees would create recurring meetings and administrative burden.
Auditor and staff explained the mechanics: to certify a contract the auditor must attach a certificate saying funds are available or guaranteed; many purchase orders and prior contracts leave funds technically committed and reduce available cash even if not spent. Commissioners also noted differences in bookkeeping and that some shortfalls were due to outstanding purchase orders rather than current cash outflow.
After discussion the board recessed and directed Commissioner Von to call JFS leadership (referred to in the meeting as Christy and Parker) to clarify exact shortfall numbers and return with a recommendation. When Von returned he reported the office had worked internally to reduce the request and that the immediate ask had been revised; the commissioners agreed to continue the conversation with county and state contacts to seek long-term funding solutions. No appropriation or formal guarantee was approved at the meeting.
The commissioners discussed escalating the matter to state legislators and agency contacts to clarify funding responsibilities and possible matches; several asked for a written recommendation and clarified projections before any funds are committed.