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County officials warned CSA caseloads and special-education costs may exceed $750,000 budget
Summary
Director of Finance Tina Ammons told the King and Queen County Board of Supervisors that rising Children's Services Act caseloads and costs—especially private day placements and special-education services—have led the CPMT to approve some funding for only half the year while the county considers whether additional budget authority will be needed.
Tina Ammons, director of finance and chair of the county's Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT), told the King and Queen County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 28 that the number of Children's Services Act (CSA) cases and the cost of services have increased and that the board's initial budget of $750,000 may not cover the full year.
Ammons said private day placements and special-needs education services are driving much of the cost growth. She told supervisors the CPMT has approved funding for some cases for only part of the year because the currently approved budget is insufficient, and the committee asked staff to notify the board early if further funding will be required.
“Costs and caseloads have increased significantly,” Ammons told the board, and funding needs could change as children enter or leave the system.
Supervisor Sherrin Alsop raised concern about a recent social media post that, in her view, appeared to promote King and Queen as a destination for special-education tuition students. Supervisor Jim Burns said that, while serving on the school board, he recalled a policy that prohibited accepting special-education tuition students but that he did not know whether that policy remains in effect; staff were directed to contact Dr. Carter for clarification.
Board members were not asked to take immediate action on the CSA budget at the meeting; Ammons and the CPMT sought to alert the board early so supervisors could consider options if the caseload or service recommendations change. The CPMT will report back if additional funding is recommended or required.
