County to sign state DDCS contract for developmental-disability services; supplemental revenue added to budget

The Board of County Commissioners on July 14 reviewed a state contract from the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS) to fund supported employment and community inclusion programs serving county residents with developmental disabilities.

DSHS representative Kelly said the contract for the new biennium includes more funding than the prior period. "No. There isn't. Happily and surprisingly, it was a bit of an increase from last year," Kelly said in response to a commissioner question about changes in the contract. Kelly also noted federal Medicaid matching funds are involved: "Yes, sir. It does. It does. And, you know, our clients are very concerned, about the impact of the Medicaid cuts. But, yes, part of this contract, you know, we get matching federal funds as well."

Budget action: staff said the new funding stream will be recorded as supplemental appropriation in the Health and Human Services developmental disabilities budget for $694,364 to fund direct services for county residents; the appropriation reflects the closing out of the previous contract and the start of the new one on July 1. Staff told commissioners that historically the department expends these contracts in full and actively seeks ways to serve eligible residents.

Next steps: staff will place the contract and associated signature request on a forthcoming agenda for board signature and will report updates at the county's Developmental Disability Advisory Committee.