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County approves DSHS developmental‑disability contract, staff outlines monitoring and spot checks
Summary
Cowlitz County approved a state contract to fund services for individuals with developmental disabilities through June 30, 2027; Health and Human Services staff described how county oversight works, including random 10% spot checks, review of pay stubs and access to the state's database to verify authorized hours and client eligibility.
Gina James of Cowlitz County Health and Human Services presented a state contract with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Developmental Disabilities Administration to fund services for individuals with developmental disabilities in the county. “This contract pays for specific services for individuals in Cowlitz County with a developmental disability,” James said, adding the bulk of funds support adult employment and day services while a small portion pays for early‑childhood services.
Commissioners pressed staff about controls over approximately $2,700,000 in funds. James described the county’s role as verifying services: authorizations come from the state and are passed through to the county; county staff verify provider billing and on‑site records, review pay stubs to confirm workers are paid at least minimum wage, and run random 10% spot checks of provider client lists. She said the county has access to the state's database used for client authorizations and that spot checks typically find typographical errors rather than fictitious clients. James also noted about 50 local businesses participate in employment supports and that roughly 70% of program participants were employed during the year.
