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Alleghany County DSS reports surge in caseloads, long staff travel and asks board to consider vehicle funding
Summary
Director Stacy Preston told commissioners the Department of Social Services served 2,789 clients in the last fiscal year, logged 99,556 miles for client visits and emergency response, and is seeing average foster‑care caseloads of about 51–52 children per month, prompting calls for vehicle replacement and budget consideration.
Stacy Preston, director of Alleghany County Department of Social Services, summarized the agency’s work over the July 2024–June 2025 reporting year and urged commissioners to consider operational support for rising travel demands. "2024 brought several changes to the agency," Preston said, and provided performance numbers: the agency served 2,789 clients, handled 5,789 phone calls and staff drove 99,556 miles.
Preston described the department’s disaster response during recent hurricanes, including operating a shelter, distributing grab‑and‑go bags and administering D‑SNAP benefits. She said the department approved 174 D‑SNAP applications that assisted 448 individuals and issued $110,477 in benefits, and distributed other disaster assistance including energy and rental aid.
On child welfare, Preston said the county averaged 48 children in foster care monthly, with an average monthly foster caseload closer to 51–52 this year; staff completed 166 assessments and investigations, achieved 19 successful reunifications and processed five adoptions. "We increased security measures at both buildings" and purchased two vehicles and made interior improvements to support foster care operations, Preston said.
Commissioners pressed on operational strain from long travel. Preston said some placements require monthly trips to cities including Rock Hill, S.C., Charlotte and Winston‑Salem, and one Tennessee placement involves a seven‑hour one‑way drive; staff commonly travel in pairs and may choose not to overnight. Commissioners expressed concern that nearly 100,000 miles of annual travel will accelerate vehicle replacement needs and urged staff to include vehicle funding in next year’s budget planning.
The presentation concluded with commissioners’ praise for DSS staff and a request to return with specific budget options. The board offered general support and asked staff to include vehicle needs and travel costs in the coming budget cycle.
