Adams County commissioners say TANF discretionary funding will sunset Dec. 31; short-term bridge amendments approved

Commissioner Julie Duran Mullica told the Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 23 that the board voted Aug. 12 to sunset Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) discretionary funding at the end of this year, effective Dec. 31. Mullica said the board made the decision after months of budget evaluation and in response to state law changes requiring a greater share of TANF funds go to direct cash assistance.

Mullica said the decision was “necessary” and framed as protecting core county services — including direct assistance to families, child-care access, food security and housing stability — while acknowledging the county cannot remain the sole long-term funder for certain nonprofit services. She said the county will work with nonprofit partners, philanthropy and the business community to seek sustainable alternatives and emphasized the board would not promise funding it does not have.

Mullica also noted that on the meeting’s consent calendar the board approved short-term amendments to continue funding through the remainder of 2025 for organizations named in her remarks, which she listed as Almost Home, Family Tree and Growing Comitis Crisis Center (names read into the record). She described those amendments as bridge funding only and said they are not sustainable long-term contracts.

Commissioner remarks in follow-up emphasized the upcoming 2026 budget process, scheduled for initial and final adoption per state statute in mid-October and mid-November respectively. Commissioners urged community partners and residents to engage in the budget conversation and noted nonprofit fundraising events and other community supports as additional resources. The consent calendar itself passed by voice vote (recorded as passing 3-0 with two commissioners absent).

The county manager and county attorney reported no additional items. The board adjourned at 10:23 a.m.