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Charlotte County social services officials cite staffing losses and urge pay changes
Summary
Department of Social Services leaders told the Board that long‑standing low pay is driving employee departures; DSS serves about 39% of county residents for benefits and reported 2021 expenditures of $41.5 million with a $754,528 local cost.
Charlotte County Department of Social Services officials briefed the Board on staffing challenges and county service levels, urging action to retain employees.
Brian Tuck said CCDSS is organized into benefits, family services, CSA and administration. He reported that in 2021 the county population was 11,280 and CCDSS served 4,535 residents for Medicaid, SNAP and TANF services (about 39% of residents). Tuck said 17% of residents overall and 26% of children live in poverty in Charlotte County. CCDSS reported 2021 expenditures across all programs of $41,535,945, with $754,528 charged to the County (about 1.8% of the county's budget). Tuck said CCDSS has historically been careful with local funds and has returned unused funds in the past.
Amanda Lee and others said the department had lost two employees in the previous month and the director, Sari Goff, is interviewing remaining staff to identify retention issues. Lee asked the Board to consider the salary study and expressed hope that the county will act: "CCDSS is very hopeful that a change can be implemented," she said. Supervisor Hazel Bowman Smith, who said she previously served as CCDSS financial analyst and CSA coordinator and resigned over low pay, urged the Board to address compensation to retain trained staff.
What happens next: CCDSS will remain engaged with the County's salary study and requested that the Board consider adjustments to improve employee retention.
