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Centre County approves $7.9 million Human Services block grant plan for 2025–26 amid state budget uncertainty
Summary
The Board approved a $7.9 million fiscal year 2025–26 Human Services Block Grant plan that combines state, federal and county-match funding across adult services, mental health, intellectual disabilities and drug and alcohol programs; commissioners and staff discussed potential state budget delays and contingency planning.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners voted Aug. 1 to approve the county's fiscal year 2025–26 Human Services Block Grant (HSBG) plan, authorizing $7,903,984 in program funding for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
Jeff (no last name provided), who presented the plan, said the grant allocation includes $7,310,571 in state funding, $337,623 in federal dollars and a $255,790 county match. The HSBG combines funding across adult services, mental health, intellectual disabilities and drug- and alcohol-related programs and gives the county flexibility to shift funds based on demand.
"This is just a starting place for the coming year, to get us started, and we'll be making changes and updates throughout the year depending on what the need is," Jeff said, describing two recent public hearings that informed the plan.
Commissioners pressed staff on the effect of the ongoing state budget uncertainty. County leaders said Centre County is in stronger fiscal shape than many Pennsylvania counties because of a robust fund balance and other planning measures, but they acknowledged that some counties have already slowed or stopped payments to providers. "We are proceeding cautiously," staff said, and commissioners said they would consider stopgap measures if the state budget delay continues.
The board approved the HSBG plan by voice vote. Commissioners said the county will continue to monitor state action and may adjust allocations if categorical funding changes at the state level.
Ending: The plan was approved for submission prior to the state's budget resolution; commissioners and staff committed to continue monitoring state funding developments and to consult providers about cash-flow needs if state payments are delayed.
