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Local WIC supervisor says state reissued award cut budget by about $40,000; staff plan adjustments
Summary
Tompkins County WIC program reported that a state retraction and reissue of its award reduced the program’s budget by roughly $40,000; staff said they will absorb some costs, pursue state appeals, and may reduce hours if necessary while continuing remote services for now.
Tompkins County WIC staff told the board that a reissued state award reduced the county WIC program’s budget by roughly $40,000.
The WIC supervisor said the grant amount originally included in the governor’s budget was retracted and a new award issued with a lower amount, producing a roughly $40,000 reduction for the county program. “The original amount that was awarded to the WIC program… was retracted… and then issued a new one, which cut my budget about 40,000,” the supervisor told the board.
Why it matters: staff said the reduction comes as local caseloads are rising and staffing pressure is increasing. The supervisor reported that the program is about 35 cases from a target caseload of 1,400 and that the office is approaching its historical high load after years of lower counts. At the same time, remote service flexibilities that reduced barriers for participants remain dependent on federal and state policy.
What the county will do: the sponsoring agency has agreed to cover the cost of space, the supervisor said, and the county plans to submit a balanced budget. The WIC supervisor said they will take steps to manage immediate staffing and hours, including absorbing initial impacts, pursuing state appeals, and returning to the board in January with updated plans if needed. The supervisor also noted that remote services remain available for now and that continuing federal support for remote service is uncertain; staff said remote services could end after Sept. 26 if federal flexibilities are not extended.
Board members and staff discussed staffing and timing: the supervisor said there are potential vacancies and retirements that could change staffing costs, and the department will try to absorb the hit while monitoring caseload growth. The board asked staff to return with updates as the state appeals process and budget revisions progress.
Looking ahead: the WIC supervisor asked the board for patience while state and sponsor actions resolve; staff said they expect to submit a balanced budget and will report back on service hours and staffing if the budget changes.
