Several In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers told the Board of Supervisors that low pay and the county’s high cost of living are reducing the available caregiving workforce and leaving vulnerable residents without needed care.

"There's just not enough caregivers in this county due to our financial burdens and cost of living," said Amber Kuntz, an IHSS provider who said she has worked in the program on and off for about 30 years and currently lives with a client who needs 24‑hour care. Kuntz described a client authorized 105 hours per month for 24‑7 needs and said providers often leave because they can earn more elsewhere with better benefits.

Laurie Donaldson, another long‑time provider, said Amador County has many unused IHSS hours because there are not enough workers to fill them and argued that a stronger wage in the new contract would help attract and keep providers. Board members discussed possibly adjusting scholarship and vocational support programs and noted upcoming contract negotiations that could affect county finances.

The board did not take immediate action at the hearing but supervisors discussed the issue and indicated it will be a factor in upcoming budgeting and contract negotiations.

Next steps: Supervisors asked staff to consider providers’ concerns in the county’s fiscal planning and collective bargaining discussions; no specific wage change was adopted at the meeting.