Supervisors approve $15,000 transfer to public guardian for conservatee’s private placement; vote 4-1

The Board of Supervisors authorized a $15,000 lump-sum transfer from the general fund to the public guardian account to cover monthly payments (not to exceed $5,000 per month) for a conserved individual — identified in staff materials as “BB” — placed at Nazareth Classic Care, a private-pay facility that does not accept Medi‑Cal or Medicare.

Social Services Director Rachel Gilman and Adult Services Deputy Amy Shmetsky told the board that BB was released from county jail while conserved, requires placement for his and public safety, and currently lacks a Medicare/Medi‑Cal-accepting facility willing to take him. Staff said the county has been calling facilities weekly; BB is on a wait list at one facility as position number seven. The requested $15,000 would cover up to three additional months of the private placement while staff continue placement efforts and attempts to obtain benefits reimbursements.

Board discussion was sharply divided. Several supervisors said they supported the transfer on public-safety and fiduciary grounds — county conservators are responsible for safe placements and liability risks increase if the conservatee is not in a supervised setting. Supervisor Sabatier said she would vote no, citing concern about using limited general-fund dollars for a private-pay placement while other community needs exist and urging aggressive pursuit of benefit recovery. Social Services staff said they are actively pursuing Social Security and veteran benefits which, if obtained, would offset county costs.

Vice Chair Rasmussen moved approval; the motion passed 4–1. Board members asked staff to continue weekly placement outreach, pursue benefit reimbursements, and return with status updates.

The motion authorizes payments not to exceed $5,000 per month for Nazareth Classic Care and limits the overall transfer to $15,000 from the general fund to the public guardian account.