Wayne OKs local human services money

DAVID HULSE
Posted 8/21/12

HONESDALE, PA — The anticipated costs of Children & Youth (C&Y) Service programs in Wayne County will increase by $850,000 this fiscal year (2015-16) and another $460,000 in the 2016-17, according …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Wayne OKs local human services money

Posted

HONESDALE, PA — The anticipated costs of Children & Youth (C&Y) Service programs in Wayne County will increase by $850,000 this fiscal year (2015-16) and another $460,000 in the 2016-17, according to projections by Human Services Administrator Andrea Whyte.

Whyte came before the county commissioners on September 3 for authorization of the proposed ’16-’17 plan and the county’s commitment to fund its 20% share.

Whyte said spending was down in the recently completed 2014-15 fiscal year, because the department did not have to make a large number of placements outside the home. “We do as much as we can in the community and try not to place [children] outside of the home,” she said.

As to the increases, she said the budget is based on prior years’ cost increases. “We’re applying past rates and provider costs.”

She said Wayne’s costs remain much lower than other counties, but she warned that catastrophic situations and new state legislation can impact mandated service costs in these budgets. “We don’t have a crystal ball,” she said.

Whyte said abuse-of-the-aged reports have also increased dramatically, and the law regarding the aging is based on C&Y law.

The county share of the C&Y budget rose from 19% ($867,455) to 20% this fiscal year ($1,087,709) and is expected to remain at that rate in 2016-17 ($1,172,134). However, aside from $23,154, the remainder of the county share is reimbursable from other sources.

In other business, the commissioners received payment of and approved distribution of previously approved community development block grants for the 2014 fiscal year.

They also were copied on PennDOT responses to the Audubon Society of Northeast PA and the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center regarding concerns over the announced closure of the state Route 4017 bridge over the West Branch of Dyberry Creek at Tanners Falls. PennDOT is considering alternatives during the preliminary design phase of the bridge project.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here