Advisory committee raises Buncombe County supplemental aging funds target to 425

The Buncombe County Home and Community Care Block Grant Advisory Committee voted to increase the county supplemental aging funds target to 425 during its March 25 meeting.

The motion to change the target was made by Suzanne and seconded by Deb; members approved the change by voice vote. The committee said it will use that target when compiling allocation recommendations but will reduce awards proportionally if the county’s budget or final block grant figures require cuts.

The vote followed an update that the Area Agency on Aging’s director, Leanne Tucker, told the regional advisory council that preliminary federal and state block grant numbers came earlier than usual and could move closer to a $1.7 million target. Committee staff said final block grant figures are expected in one to two weeks, and members cautioned the preliminary outlook does not guarantee final funding.

Members also framed the vote around service capacity constraints: a rise in Special Assistance (SA) at‑home cases has increased case management workload and limited the committee’s ability to open new in‑home aid slots. Staff said SA at‑home cases require social‑worker case management and that limitation is constraining service openings even when funds are available. Committee members urged the board of commissioners to preserve or add a case‑management position to sustain service levels.

Committee staff reminded providers they expect March invoices and spending projections in time to identify any funds providers must relinquish; the group set April 22 as the meeting to finalize reallocations. Members were asked to return funding recommendations by Saturday the 18th so staff can compile them ahead of the April meeting.

The motion does not itself obligate funds; it sets a planning target. If county management or the commissioners later cut the budget, the committee agreed it will adjust recommended awards proportionally.