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Dodge County human services officials flag CBH expansion cost as budget drivers; $351,000 deficit projected
Summary
Board members were told a near $3.7 million community-based housing (CBH) expansion and high placement and mental-health costs will strain operating funds; staff reported a projected 2025 deficit of about $351,000 and a draw on spendable reserves.
Ed, a staff member speaking to the Human Services and Health Board, updated members on facility repairs and the agency's finances, saying the county remains "in a very strong position" even as it plans for a large community-based housing expansion.
Ed highlighted that the preliminary 2025 year-end shows a near $3,700,000 cost for the CBH expansion and that the operating statement will reflect an approximate $100,000 net loss for 2025, while the county will draw about $712,000 from spendable reserves to cover capital and principal payments that do not appear on monthly operating financials.
A county staff member later told the board that, after finalizing February claims and revenue, the department expects a deficit "of 351,000 and some change." The staff member noted the packet uses $3.51 as the calculated figure in thousands to represent that deficit.
Board members and staff identified the main drivers of elevated costs: out-of-state youth placements, commitments to the Winnebago Mental Health Institute and costs for community-based residential facility placements tied to mental-health emergencies. "Those are costs we have no choice but to incur," the Chair said, noting emergency detention and public-safety criteria can require out-of-county placements.
Ed explained how bond accounting affects the appearance of the operating statements: bond interest is now low but principal payments continue and do not show on monthly operating reports, so review of spendable net position is needed to understand liquidity.
Looking ahead, staff said they will continue to monitor claims, placement trends and revenues and will return additional detail at future meetings. The board did not take formal action on budgets during the session.
The board adjourned and set its next meeting for 4:30 p.m. on April 1.
