Human Services committee approves midyear amendment to cover rising safety-net costs

The Chautauqua County Human Services Committee approved a midyear amendment to the 2026 Department of Social Services budget to address rising safety‑net costs. The resolution increases appropriations by roughly $4 million and draws about $2.8 million from the county’s unassigned fund balance to cover emergency housing, hotel placements and related safety‑net services.

Carmel Hernandez, commissioner of mental hygiene and social services, told the committee that the department’s case counts fell from about 277 in February to roughly 144–151 in early June but that monthly averages were running about 20 cases higher than the prior year. Hernandez and staff argued those trends, combined with the likelihood of higher demand in colder months, make an amendment advisable to avoid repeated shortfalls.

Blake Eric, director of administrative services, said the department’s projection for total 2026 safety‑net appropriations is roughly $15 million, up from the $11 million in the adopted budget. Eric said the amendment is intended to carry the county through year‑end and that any unspent funds would be returned to fund balance at year‑end.

Committee members pressed staff on details. One member asked who negotiates hotel rates; staff said hotel owners set rates, that counties are limited when licensed OTDA shelters are not locally available, and that the county and the regional housing authority are pressing for stronger state inspection and oversight. Staff also noted that some participants are housed outside Chautauqua County and the county remains responsible for costs and transportation to appointments.

Several members asked for hard copies of the projection data before the county legislative vote. Mr. Pavlock said he was uneasy increasing the budget on a projection but supported the transfer for administrative ease if staff could provide the underlying data. Eric agreed to distribute the projection materials to caucus and audit prior to the legislative session.

The chair called the motion and the committee voted in favor; the chair declared the resolution carried. The committee’s approval moves the amendment to the full county legislative process and audit as the next steps.

The committee did not record a named mover or seconder for the motion in the transcript; members emphasized that they expect the administration to share the detailed projections with caucus and audit before final legislative action.