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Human Services reports workforce strain and a budget swing tied to WIMCAR advances
Summary
Human Services leaders told supervisors they face staffing shortages and increased service complexity; the department's forecast shifted from a $576,000 surplus to a roughly $300,000 deficit after a 2025 WIMCAR advance, and the board approved an additional one-time FTE for quality control (25–0 on consent).
MANITOWOC — The Human Services Board reported rising caseload complexity, staff vacancies and a budget forecast change linked to Medicaid cost reporting advances.
Supervisor Klein briefed the board on a May 28 presentation about the Drug Court and said the program has produced positive outcomes for participants. Klein and other speakers emphasized workforce strain: Human Services reported four recent resignations and 13 open positions, with recruitment underway for five of them. Supervisors said the increased workload is taking a toll on remaining staff and that leadership is exploring mitigations.
Financially, the Finance Committee reported that a 120% advance taken on WIMCAR (Wisconsin Medicaid cost reporting) funding in 2025 contributed to an $850,000 swing in forecasts: what had been a projected $576,000 surplus is now roughly a $300,000 deficit for Human Services. Supervisor Grambow explained the timing issue and said the matter will be addressed in future budgeting work.
The board also approved, on the consent agenda, a resolution adding one full‑time equivalent Human Services position (ESS Quality Control Specialist) that will terminate if state funding ends; that personnel motion passed 25–0.
Supervisors underscored the programmatic successes (Drug Court graduations, CLTS review results above the state average) alongside staffing pressures and said they will continue to work with Human Services leadership on budget and personnel solutions.
