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Pulaski County Human Services asks commissioners for $40,000 amid cuts to transportation funding
Summary
Pulaski County Human Services director Jackie Frayn asked the commissioners to raise the county allocation from $30,000 to $40,000 after the agency reported state transportation funding and Medicaid reimbursements have declined.
Pulaski County Human Services director Jackie Frayn told county commissioners the agency needs an increase in county funding after a recent reduction in state transportation support and ongoing pressure on Medicaid reimbursements.
“I'm Jackie Frayn. I'm director of Pulaski County Human Services,” Frayn said when she addressed the board, noting the department had just celebrated 50 years of service to the county.
Frayn said the county’s share of state aging transportation funding dropped from about $27,000 in past years to $10,800 annually, a reduction she traced to changes in state allocations and unit counts. She said Medicaid reimbursements are also lower because Medicaid transportation was recently contracted to three private insurers and many of the agency’s clients are not enrolled in those plans.
The combined effect, Frayn said, leaves a meaningful gap in the agency’s transit budget. She asked the county to increase the longstanding county allocation from $30,000 to $40,000 and described the agency’s services—congregate meal sites, a mini food pantry, transit for medical and preschool needs and other social supports—as serving “the majority of the households in some fashion.”
Frayn also said the agency is seeking an interim location for its West Side meal site after the current site was made unavailable; she said the center provides meals, health screenings, education and socialization that are especially valued by regular attendees. She noted agencies and churches are talking about temporary arrangements while longer-term options are explored.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the source and timing of the lost revenue and about what the requested county support would be used for. Frayn said some of the transit shortfall is roughly $17,000 annually and that the $40,000 request would help stabilize operations while the agency pursues other grant and local options.
The commissioners did not vote on the request at the meeting; staff said they would take the request under consideration as they continue drafting the county budget.
