Delta Human Services presented their finance report at the Jan. 17 Board of County Commissioners meeting, noting that they are continuing to exceed their budget and it is expected that they will continue to do so. It was noted that the extra funding of SNAP benefits is ending as the Public Health Emergency Order has ended. With the SNAP benefits being reduced, the department expects more individuals to come in for assistance. There is help from agencies for residents struggling to pay for heat and water for their homes.Â
It was reported that case managers' workloads in Delta County are extra heavy, as case managers are handling at least 20 cases each, with an average workload being 10-15 cases. As a result, the agency is wanting to promote one of their aids to a full-time case manager position to help alleviate some of the extra load. DHS is hoping to move funds around to pay for the new position without it negatively affecting the budget. It was stated that Delta County has the highest capita of citizens above 80 years of age and people on fixed incomes have been hit the hardest by the rise in inflation.
As of Jan. 1, case managers were given a significant raise for on-call work, jumping from $100 for a week of on-call services to $301.
In other news:
An update on the Colorado Department of Transportation Highway Users Tax Fund was given. It was noted that 738 streets were eligible for funds from the tax fund and that 3% of Delta County's roads are in poor condition.
Delta County Treasurer Lisa Tafoya presented the semi-annual treasurer's report. She noted the beginning balance from June changed due to a few backdated payroll entries and said she was fascinated to see all the little districts within the county while preparing the document.
The commissioners voted to continue not having work sessions recorded, although they are open to the public. Chairman Wendell Koontz said the public is encouraged to attend the work sessions in person, which encourages open dialogue.
During a previous county commissioners meeting held on Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m., Shilo Court and Chantelle Lane were added to the road maintenance schedule under the Delta County Road Maintenance program.
Frank M. Witowski Jr. is a staff writer and photographer for the Delta County Independent.
Frank is a staff writer and photographer for the Delta County Independent. His beats include covering the North Fork area town meetings, the Delta County Commissioners' meetings and Delta County School Board. Although he enjoys covering hard news, his joy comes in writing positive features about businesses and people who are making a difference in the area. Contact Frank at 970-874-4421 or frankw@deltacountyindependent.com.
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