The Richland County Community and Health Services standing committee approved several personnel and financial items during its Dec. 4 meeting, including a change to the starting wage for licensed practical nurses, the approval of 2026 provider contracts, and a modest fee-schedule change.

Director-level staff and fiscal personnel told the committee that October departmental budget utilization was 77%, with October expenses of $6,810,000 against an approved budget of $8,870,000; after anticipated revenue and chargebacks the department projects closing the year with an adjusted balance of about $125,864. Fiscal staff also reported processing 67 vouchers this period totaling $43,793.56 and said all expenditures remained within program budgets.

On personnel and contracts
Britney, identified in the record as Pine Valley Community Village administrator, presented a proposed increase to the starting wage for licensed practical nurses to better align with market rates. “Currently, it is $25. And it will go to 27,” she said; the committee approved the change by voice vote. The committee chair and members indicated this item will be moved forward through the usual county approval channels as required by county procedure.

The committee also approved several 2026 provider contracts, including contracts for child and youth services and three comprehensive community-services (CCS) providers. Staff noted that any contract above $250,000 must be brought to the county board; these were presented for committee review and approval before board consideration where applicable.

Fee schedule
Staff explained an annual requirement to approve fees for the coming year; the only adjustment was an increase in the suggested donation at the nutrition site from $4 to $6. The committee approved the updated fee schedule by voice vote.

Pine Valley update and operations
Britney provided a separate update on Pine Valley Community Village operations: November average census was 69 with numerous respite stays; recent state surveys produced no citations and unsubstantiated complaints were noted. She said a new food vendor (Foreman's Food, previously described as Reinhardt) began service and is projected to save about $20,000 annually on food costs. Britney also described partnerships for care supplies intended to lower monthly costs and outlined resident supports and staff recruitment updates.

Votes at a glance
- Starting wage for licensed practical nurses: motion approved (voice vote). Presenter: Britney; outcome: approved.
- Pine Valley holiday addendum (remove Veterans Day to align with county handbook): motion approved (voice vote).
- 2026 provider contracts (child & youth services; CCS providers): motion approved (voice vote); contracts exceeding $250,000 flagged for county board processing.
- Fee schedule (nutrition-site suggested donation change $4 → $6): motion approved (voice vote).
- Adjournment: motion approved (voice vote).

What happens next
Approved contract items and compensation changes will proceed through the county’s standard implementation steps; staff said they will monitor high-utilization providers and bring contract amendments back if needed. The committee asked staff to place a proposed mental-health urgent-care unit on a future agenda for discussion. The committee tentatively set the next meeting for early January 2026.