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Public commenters urge fair contract for Children & Youth Services as commissioners approve multiple CYS agreements
Summary
Commissioners approved several Children & Youth Services contracts and provider rates; public commenters urged the board to reach a fair contract with CYS employees and to use opioid settlement funds for recovery transportation.
The Board approved a set of Children & Youth Services actions, including a short-term FY2025–26 purchase-of-service agreement with Adelphoi Village, Inc. for life-skills weekend retreats at $4,000 per weekend (Apr. 1–Jun. 30, 2026), a court-appointed attorney agreement for Travis Rhodes at $75 per hour, residential provider rate schedules, and the reappointment of Richelle Facchine to the CYS Advisory Committee through March 31, 2029. Commissioner Harry Dutch Kaufman moved the package and Commissioner Vince Vicites seconded; all motions passed unanimously.
During public comment, Dr. Joe Jankosy "expressed support for Children and Youth Services employees in their request for a fair and equitable contract," highlighting high caseloads and burnout. Jacqueline Blackson raised concerns about a potential strike’s impact on child safety; Laura Voysick, identified in the transcript as a Children and Youth Services employee, described financial hardship and urged reconsideration of proposed wage increases. Dawn Strutters, a resident and treatment center employee, asked commissioners to consider using opioid settlement funds for transportation and recovery services.
