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Lambertville to transfer local social services to county; residents ask about access during transition
Summary
Council approved a state-required transfer of the city's social services/public assistance program to the county and said longtime staffer 'Bambi' will help clients through the transition; residents asked how people without transportation will access county services and urged an on-site county schedule or liaison.
The Lambertville City Council moved forward with a required transfer of the city's social services and public assistance program to the county, citing state requirements.
Council members said the transfer is mandated by the state and noted that the city’s social services director (referred to in the meeting as 'Bambi') has been working with clients and county staff to ensure continuity. Council President Lambert and other officials said Bambi will remain available at least through December to help residents transition and that staff have provided client information to the county to begin outreach.
Residents asked how clients without vehicles or with mobility challenges will access county services. One resident said, "If you don't have a car ... how will they travel to the county?" Council members suggested the county’s transportation link and the municipality's existing free-ride program as partial solutions but acknowledged limits to those services and recommended asking the county to schedule regular on-site visits or a liaison to assist clients locally.
Council members said they would consider asking the county to improve link service in Lambertville and to document transition procedures, including how to access emergency funds and trust accounts post-transfer. The ordinance for the transfer was presented and adopted in its second reading.
