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Board authorizes filings to draw down state/federal IHSS reimbursements as contract talks continue
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Summary
Supervisors approved two administrative items to submit filings that will allow the county to draw down roughly $29.5M in higher IHSS health‑insurance reimbursements effective Jan. 1; staff said the action does not constrain ongoing bargaining with SEIU 2015.
The Board approved items 28 and 29 authorizing the county to submit the paperwork necessary to draw down state and federal reimbursements tied to increased IHSS health insurance and benefit costs that will take effect on Jan. 1. County executive staff said the filing is separate from collective‑bargaining negotiations with SEIU Local 2015 and is intended to preserve reimbursement tied to increased employer health costs.
Administration described the total IHSS rate increase as roughly $29.5 million beginning Jan. 1; after estimated state and federal reimbursement, the county general‑fund ongoing share was described as about $5.7 million. Staff said the filings do not require the county to accept any negotiated changes at the bargaining table and that the county may file updates later if bargaining outcomes change the cost allocation.
SEIU 2015 representatives and IHSS caregivers urged continued good‑faith bargaining, higher wages and protection of existing health benefits. The board unanimously approved the filings.
What’s next: Administration will proceed with the filings to avoid leaving reimbursement on the table and will return with any midyear budget adjustments tied to elections and unexpected expenses.
