MARION COUNTY CHILDREN SERVICES BOARD
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING OF MAY 21, 2021
MEMBERS PRESENT: ELLEN BRYANT-MESSENGER, COMMITTEE CHAIR
JOLENE CARTER
SHAWN JACKSON
MEMBERS ABSENT: MARIANNE BAILEY
STAFF PRESENT: DAN DOWNES, BUSINESS MANAGER
JACQUELINE RINGER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A meeting of the Marion County Children Services Board Finance Committee was
held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 11:15 a.m. in the main training room of Marion
County Children Services. Committee Chair Ellen Bryant-Messenger called the
meeting to order at approximately 11:32 a.m.
The Preliminary 2022 Budget had been distributed to finance committee members
prior to the meeting for review. Ms. Jacqueline Ringer and Mr. Dan Downes
provided a summary of the budget, including any/all changes from the Revised
2021 Budget.
In summary, the Preliminary 2022 Budget projects a 2% ($162,685.24) increase in
expenditures. The primary expenditure remains placement related costs. Ms.
Ringer discussed the Agency’s efforts to expand and create effective kinship
search and engagement efforts. Ms. Ringer discussed the potential cost shift
associated with Family First QRTP (quality residential treatment program)
requirements set to go into effect on October 1, 2021. ODJFS has provided a three
year extension for congregate care facilities to meet the requirements; however,
local child protection agencies would lose the federal reimbursement for a
significant portion of the cost of the placement if the requirements are not met. In
reviewing current custody status, this could result in a potential cost of
$592,701.60 annually.
Ms. Ringer reported a $30,857.37 increase in revenue. Many of these amounts will
change once the State budget is approved and allocation amounts are provided.
Ms. Ringer noted after decades of limited resources, the additional State and local
funds received in 2020 along with the reduction in foster care utilization allowed
the Agency to remain in the black for 2020. The Preliminary 2022 Budget also
projects receiving more than anticipated expenses; however, changes in legislation
through SB 310 and Family First could have a drastic financial impact. Reserve
funds will be critical to maintaining current level of operations during this time.
Projections during the course of the ten year levy are challenging to predict.
Ms. Ringer summarized the cost saving / cost sharing efforts over the past few
years.
No objections or concerns were voiced. It was the consensus of the Finance
Committee to recommend approval to the board-at-large.
There being no further items for discussion or business to come before the Finance
Committee, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:57 a.m.
Ellen Bryant-Messenger, Finance Committee Chair
Jolene Carter, Finance Committee
Jacqueline Ringer, Executive Director