Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Service Integration topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee hears brief request to allow standard fund transfers for new Family and Community Partnerships division
Summary
The Department of Health and Welfare’s Service Integration division — being retitled Family and Community Partnerships — asked to retain normal authority to transfer appropriations between expense classes under Idaho Code §67‑35‑11 so the new division can flexibly support foster families and community partnerships.
Legislative analysts and department leaders told the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee on Feb. 20 that the division known as Service Integration will be retitled Family and Community Partnerships and requested continued ability to transfer funds between expense classes under Idaho Code §67‑35‑11.
Why it matters: Alex Williamson told the committee the division focuses on improving customer service, coordinating across programs and delivering emergency assistance. Director Alex Adams said the unit has led partnerships that provide free state park passes and discounted fishing licenses for foster families and coordinates outreach with community organizations. Adams told lawmakers the transfer authority gives the new division the same flexibility other agencies have to move funds between personnel and operating categories while the department norms the reorganized unit.
What was requested: The governor’s recommendation includes an exemption from last year’s maintenance-bill transfer limits for both a FY2025 one‑time supplemental and as an ongoing FY2026 enhancement. Williamson said Service Integration is authorized for roughly 35 FTE and had increased its expenditure rate from about 72% of appropriation in FY2021 to roughly 96% in FY2024.
Ending: Committee members had no substantive objections in the hearing transcript; department staff said the flexible transfer authority will help the new division quickly respond to community partnership opportunities if authorized by the Legislature.
