Funds not used by county offices supported by the general fund have been transferred back to the county for use in alleviating debt associated with Highland County Children Services and the mounting costs of children in foster care.
The Highland County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday passed more than 30 resolutions, the bulk of which dealt with moving money not used by some county offices back to commissioners so that it can be used where it’s needed most.
As previously reported, the costs of children in foster care are ever increasing because many of the kids are being housed out of the county due to the number of children in foster care, which was most recently reported as more than 140 children, and a lack of foster homes in the county. Children in care can cost anywhere from $50 to nearly $395 per day per child, depending on the needs of the child and where the child is placed.
In recent weeks the board has had to funnel county money into meeting those costs, including a resolution last week for $55,000.
Commissioners said previously they are working with Job and Family Services Director Debbie Robbins and deputy director Katie Adams on cutting costs. Additionally, raising the foster care per diem is being looked into, as is streamlining the process of foster home approval.
Those interested in becoming foster parents can call 937-393-3111, extension 5055 to contact foster coordinator Jodi Kidder.
Commissioner Shane Wilkin on Wednesday thanked all the department heads for their “willingness to cooperate,” adding that when county offices work with commissioners this way, it makes things “much easier.”
In other business, commissioners approved a motion to put four cameras at the Hi-Tech Center. Those cameras will be tied to a recording system also utilized by the Highland County Clerk of Courts Office.
On another matter, Highland County Auditor Bill Fawley recently reported the permissive sales tax receipts received in December as $559,875. The permissive sales tax returned to the county is the portion of all sales taxes collected in the county in a given month. The funds go to the county’s general fund.
Reach Angela Shepherd at 937-393-3456, ext. 1681, or on Twitter @wordyshepherd.
