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Mitchell County DSS reports disaster‑fund spending rates, notes fiscal year startup and training plans
Summary
Department of Social Services staff told the board they have spent most disaster relief allocations for July, that July revenues and reimbursements lag, and that staff will continue distributing state disaster funds as eligible cases arise.
At a regular Mitchell County board session, the Mitchell County Department of Social Services reported that most of its disaster relief allocations had been spent for key assistance programs and that July fiscal data remain incomplete because reimbursements lag the start of the fiscal year.
Why it matters: The department manages state disaster allocations and energy and rental assistance that directly affect residents in need; how those pots are used determines immediate relief available for eligible households.
In the director’s update, the director said the department had distributed 74% of its disaster allocation to adult services, 68% to CPS disaster allocations and had spent 100% of its rental assistance and 100% of its energy disaster funds for the prior allocation period. "So we will until we hear, we're going to continue to help when those, clients qualify for those funds," the director said.
Staff also reported that July expenditures are tracking slightly below expected proportions for the start of the fiscal year. "Right out of the gate for July, we should be at 8.3 on our expenses. We're just a little over 7," the director said, noting reimbursements are typically a few months behind and July revenues were recorded at zero pending reimbursements.
The director addressed uncertainty about future state funding in program areas administered with HHS (Medicaid and FNS), saying weekly calls with HHS continue and that clearer guidance is not yet available. "When things become more concrete, I will make sure that everyone is aware," the director said.
Staff described upcoming training and engagement: participation in law enforcement annual training on Aug. 11 and 13, attendance at the Social Services Institute conference to present on disaster preparedness, and the county’s role in child fatality and CCPT meetings in September.
Discussion vs. decisions: This was a report of financial status and planned training; no budget amendments or new allocations were adopted during the meeting.
Looking ahead: The director said the department will monitor state allocations and notify the board when guidance or additional funds become available.
