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Human services restructuring: county directors cautiously optimistic after JBC response
Summary
San Miguel and regional county human services directors reported that the Joint Budget Committee rejected a state centralization proposal and asked counties and the governor's office to negotiate a plan; directors stressed technology upgrades (CBMS) and preserving county fiscal autonomy.
Lennay (Linnea) Edwards, human services director for Erie and San Miguel Counties, told commissioners the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) rejected a state departmental 'hubs and districting' proposal and asked counties and the governor's office to negotiate a revised plan.
"We got information yesterday afternoon that... the counties may be in the lead," Edwards said, describing a JBC direction to involve counties in fiscal arrangements. Edwards and other directors urged updated, interoperable client management systems (CBMS) and improvements in shared technology so counties can effectively share work and avoid high error rates.
Edwards said the directors remain divided on the best long‑term structure but welcomed the JBC's decision to return to the negotiation table, calling it "cautiously optimistic." Commissioners encouraged continued engagement and offered to support county directors as discussions progress.
No formal county action was recorded at the meeting; commissioners asked Edwards to continue providing updates as the negotiation timeline unfolds and to communicate any requests for technical or legislative support.
