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DSS director announces May 2026 retirement; board debates hiring firm versus local process
Summary
Department of Social Services Director Patrick Betancourt said he plans to retire May 30, 2026, and the Board of Social Services voted to engage a search firm; county commissioners debated whether to let county staff run a local recruitment first or authorize the outside firm due to cost and risk concerns.
Department of Social Services Director Patrick Betancourt told commissioners on Nov. 13 that he plans to retire on May 30, 2026, and described a succession plan and timeline for identifying a successor.
Board of Social Services decision and proposal: Betancourt said the Board of Social Services voted to engage Developmental Associates — the same firm used in a prior health‑director search — and proposed a multi‑step search spanning roughly 75 days with an overlap/onboarding period for the incoming director. He said the agency had identified nonrecurring funds and lapse‑salary savings to cover the contract.
Commissioner concerns and options: Several commissioners urged trying a county‑led/local recruitment first to save taxpayer dollars and suggested forming a committee that would include county staff and board members to produce a job description and interview locally. Commissioners questioned the cost of an executive search firm and whether county staff could run a comparable process.
Risk argument for an outside firm: Betancourt and other commissioners noted the firm provides a multi‑modal, in‑depth assessment, wider candidate reach and a mitigation of hiring risk. One commissioner cited a costly hiring mistake in another county as an argument for investing in an executive search to avoid potential future liabilities.
Outcome and next steps: No contract was approved at the meeting. Betancourt said he would take feedback to the social‑services board and advised commissioners that any engagement would be the agency’s request; county staff will provide information back to the board on whether a local search committee could be formed and what it would cost to proceed locally versus contracting the firm.
Quote: "I might even have that letter on me" (referring to the retirement date) and later Mr. Betancourt stated his planned retirement date: "05/30/2026."
