Adams County accepts 2025 Health & Human Services report; honors retiring employee

The Adams County Board accepted the Health & Human Services 2025 annual report and approved a resolution recognizing Sue Anderson on her upcoming June retirement.

Kelly, Health and Human Services director, told the board the report is a required document for Department of Health Services audits and highlights county programming, staffing pressures and fiscal results. "This is a report that we're required to put together annually," Kelly said, adding the department maintained service levels despite recruitment challenges.

The report cited an aging county population (32.9% of adults 65 or older versus a 19.1% state average), high demand for senior services, continuing behavioral-health needs and a staffing gap that has complicated service delivery. Kelly noted the department held five DHS certifications and that program audits showed no identified deficits.

On finances, Kelly said revenue was within 1% of budgeted estimates and that the county ended the year with "a surplus last year of just over $2,000,000," a result she tied to lower-than-expected out-of-home care costs and some unfilled positions.

Board members asked about the potential effects of centralized accounting and staffing trends; Kelly said discussions are ongoing and emphasized the need for a solution that "makes sense for everyone." The board then voted by voice to accept the 2025 annual report.

Votes at a glance - Motion to move veteran services earlier in the agenda: moved by Supervisor Becky Pease, seconded; approved by voice vote. - Resolution recognizing Sue Anderson for two years of county service: motion by Supervisor Carlson, seconded by Supervisor Grabarski; approved by voice vote. - Acceptance of the Health & Human Services 2025 annual report: motion by Supervisor Baker, seconded by Supervisor Carlson; approved by voice vote.

The board set its next meeting for June 8 at 4 p.m. and adjourned.