Christy from Williams County Job and Family Services told commissioners on July 15 that midyear projections show the department’s cash shortfall shrinking from about $700,000 to roughly $250,000, though staff did not include some pending 4E reimbursements in that estimate. She said reimbursements and other revenue changes are improving the outlook but remain uncertain.

Christy said multisystem youth (MSY) funding is helping; the county typically receives the allocation each year and this year allocated most of it to foster care. She also described shared funding from the county board of developmental disabilities (DD) and HABMS for two children, with those agencies covering a portion of costs. “They’re helping with two kiddos… it’s anywhere from 40% of their cost,” Christy said.

Staff discussed an initial inquiry into a Medicare-related waiver that, if eligible, could cover about 60% of costs for those children. Commissioners asked staff to work with DD and Medicaid/Medicare contacts to confirm eligibility and to bring cost estimates back for the record. Commissioners emphasized confidentiality constraints and directed staff to clarify what can be discussed publicly.

No formal action was taken. Commissioners agreed staff should continue pursuing reimbursements, coordinate with DD and Medicaid contacts and return with clearer numbers before any commitments.