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DSS director search discussed, but no contract approved; Fontana Regional Library amendment review deferred
Summary
DSS Director Patrick Betancourt announced planned retirement in May 2026 and asked to use Development Associates for recruitment with a requested overlap; Commissioners opted to consider internal options and took no action. Jackson County-proposed changes to the Fontana Regional Library inter-local agreement were reviewed and will return to a future meeting.
DSS Director Patrick Betancourt told the board he plans to retire in May 2026 and that the DSS Board voted to use Development Associates to recruit his successor. Betancourt said he would like an overlap with a new director from February 2026 through his retirement in May, and that he intended to use lapse-salary funds to pay for the contract if approved.
Commissioner Shearl said the county successfully conducted the recruitment for the new health director and urged the DSS board to consider using internal staff and trustees rather than paying an outside firm. Shearl said he could not support the cost of the recruitment firm. Commissioner Young suggested opening the process internally for 60 days to see what candidates emerge. Betancourt stated the DSS Board retains final hiring authority. The board took no action on the recruitment contract.
County Manager Warren Cabe reviewed proposed amendments to the Fontana Regional Library inter-local agreement from Jackson County, including changes related to Board of Trustees membership, a prohibition on the Regional Director serving a dual role, and returning unused funds at year-end to participating counties. Jackson County will consider the amendments next week and Macon County could take action at the December meeting; Commissioner Antoine asked that meeting times be adjusted to avoid conflicts with the county board's schedule.
No formal motions were approved on either the recruitment contract or the library amendments at the Nov. 13 meeting.
