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Board extends Maximus contract for in‑home case management, directs two‑year transition plan with one‑year progress report
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Summary
After a public conflict‑of‑interest notice and debate about bringing services in‑house, the board approved a two‑year extension of the county's contract with Maximus while directing staff to develop and begin a plan to transition case management services into county operations with a one‑year progress update.
The Orange County Board approved a two‑year extension of the county's case‑management services contract with Maximus US Services Inc., and simultaneously directed staff to develop and begin implementing a plan to move those services in‑house during the extension period.
A public speaker informed the board that Supervisor Janet Wynne had received campaign contributions from Maximus; Wynne announced she would recuse from the discussion and vote. That recusal was recorded before the board's deliberations.
Supervisors expressed differing views on contract length. Some members said the county's hiring freeze and fiscal uncertainty make a two‑year extension realistic to avoid disruption and stave off immediate RFPs. Others argued the board should limit extensions to one year and accelerate in‑house planning. Vice Chair Katrina Foley moved for a two‑year extension while directing staff to produce a transition plan and a one‑year progress report; the motion passed 3‑1 with one abstention (Wynne recused).
CEO comments and implementation pathway: CEO Geary said staff would coordinate strategic financial planning and work with program offices to phase hires and equipment necessary to absorb approximately 42 employees currently performing these services. Staff noted the contract could be terminated early if conditions allow and that a phased hiring approach would be required for any in‑house transition.
What the action means: The board approved the extension but explicitly ordered staff to plan for an in‑house transition with periodic progress reports, including a one‑year check‑in to allow the board to reassess the plan and, if warranted, accelerate steps to absorb services into county operations.
