Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Human Services Adult Day topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners table change to Easterseals adult‑day no‑show fee amid questions
Summary
Rockingham County commissioners tabled a proposal to convert Easterseals adult day program from fee‑for‑service to a fee‑for‑slot (charge for scheduled days regardless of attendance) after commissioners requested more data and a meeting with the provider.
The Rockingham County Board of Commissioners voted to table on May 29 a proposed change to the fee structure for Easterseals’ adult day program that would have charged families for scheduled slots regardless of attendance.
Board members said they support adult day services but were not given enough information about the provider’s financial circumstances, the frequency of no‑shows, or how a new cancellation policy would be applied. Several commissioners said they wanted a fuller explanation and asked county staff to invite an Easterseals representative to explain the change before the county makes a decision.
Why it matters: Easterseals and similar adult medical day programs are one of a small number of local providers serving medically complex adults; commissioners said closing or destabilizing those programs would reduce options for residents who rely on them. At the same time, commissioners questioned whether the county should underwrite a provider’s operational losses without clearer evidence.
During the discussion, one commissioner noted historical county support for outside providers and urged a careful, data‑driven approach rather than an immediate funding shift. Another commissioner said the letter from Easterseals looked absolute and recommended tabling so staff could obtain details on cancellation policies and program finances.
The motion to table carried; commissioners asked county staff to invite an Easterseals representative to the next meeting to explain the reasons for the fee change and provide financial data. The board did not approve the fee structure change at the May 29 meeting.
