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Cumberland County DSS employees warn proposed FY27 cuts would eliminate 61 positions, jeopardizing services
Summary
During the FY27 budget public hearing, Department of Social Services employees said a proposal to abolish 61 DSS positions is being used to balance the budget, raising concerns about staffing shortages, heavy caseloads and unequal treatment compared with other departments.
At the opening of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners’ FY27 budget public hearing, Tashima Wilson, speaking for Department of Social Services employees, said staff will submit a letter outlining concerns that the county’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget “has intensified concerns that DSS program administration is being disproportionately impacted” and that funding from a majority of the proposed 61 abolished DSS positions is being used to balance the county’s budget deficit.
Wilson said DSS employees face persistent staffing shortages, “overwhelming case loads, increasing service demands, unfunded mandates, and emotionally taxing responsibilities.” She contrasted the treatment of DSS with other departments, saying the sheriff’s office was allowed to revise a step plan to enhance recruitment and retention while DSS had not been afforded the same opportunity.
No commissioner on the record provided a detailed response during the hearing beyond general appreciation for public input. The chair and county manager framed the document before the board as a manager-recommended starting point; the board will consider public comments as it conducts a series of workshops to finalize the FY27 budget.
