Council hears staffing, hiring and SNAP concerns as members prepare for possible benefit disruptions

Program staff told the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council that four new service coordinators will start next week—three bilingual Spanish/English hires—while also warning of possible layoffs across Health Planning and Human Services and DB licensing due to budget uncertainty.

"We have 4 new service coordinators starting next week. 3 are bilingual in Spanish and English," said program staff (Speaker 5). The same staff member flagged ongoing budget conversations and noted that, while hiring continues, layoffs in other divisions could affect the program.

Council members and staff focused on SNAP and food‑security concerns tied to federal action. One participant noted broad impacts if SNAP benefits are disrupted on Nov. 1, and staff discussed state cost‑sharing changes that raise county exposure for program costs. Members committed to assembling and publishing local food‑resource lists and accepted an offer from a council member (Speaker 10) to draft a one‑page SNAP planning worksheet that could be distributed to case managers and brokerages before the end of the month.

The council recommended proactive outreach and coordination with brokerages to distribute timely resources and agreed staff will circulate compiled information to members.