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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
MINUTES OF A MEETING WITH THE
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE IN WELD COUNTY
The Board convened at 11:05 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 1973 with the following
people present: Mr. Harry Ashley, Chairman Pro Tem, Mr. Roy Moser, Board member,
Mr. Barton Buss, Chief Financial Officer for Weld County, Mr. Tcm Connell, Welfare
Department attorney, Mr. Eugene McKenna, Welfare Department Director, and Mrs.
Roberta Hermansen, secretary to Mr. McKenna. Because of a previous commitment,
Mr. Maser left et 11:15 a.m.
The first item discussed was the May, 1973 Caseload Status Report. The May caseload
activity continued to show a stabilized or decreasing public assistance caseload, ex-
cept for Food Stamps, a trend witch started in January, 1973. Generally speaking, the
money expenditure is at quite a stable level. Thus far in 1973, there seem to be
fewer migrants served by Food Stamps than in 1972.
Mr. Connell stated that the Colorado Attorney General had determined that money for
recoveries to be returned to a county's general fund did not include funds recovered
for child supports the new amendment provides that counties would recover 50 per cent
of the State's share for support recovery also. Mr. Con Shea, Executive Director of
the Colorado State Department of Social Services, is taking the position that he is
not returning any of the child support monies, prior to the amendment, though he is
required to in the fraudulent areas. Mr. Connell stated that this bill has been
signed by Governor Love.
Concerning the seminar recently hosted by Weld County District Attorney Robert Miller,
with the assistance of E1 Paso County, it was stated that Weld County is doing many
of the things talked about by El Paso County. Mr. McKenna stated that he is taking
a look at the investigative unit for next year's budget to see what needs to be
planned for. Mr. Connell said he feels that Weld County is doing very much what
E1 Paso County is doing. Mr. McKenna stated that on Aid to Dependent Children ap-
plications where the father is possibly in the picture, that applicant is interviewed
by one of the Resource Investigators. Mr. Connell stated that Mr. Miller, District
Attorney, can get identification for Mr. Huffman and Mr. Cramer to use as invest-
igators for the District Attorney's office. Mr. McKenna stated that he would object
to this if it would mean loss of control by himfor these two welfare department per-
sonnel, as they are Merit System employes and should not report to two different
bosses. Mr. Connell felt this would not happen. Mr. McKenna said that lines of
authority and communication should be wry clearly drawn.
Foster home rates will probably be increased by 9 per cent by the State Board in
July. Mr. McKenna stated that he does not see budgetary problems for the balance
of 1973 because of this probable increase to foster parents. He feels the Depart-
ment would have fewer problems procuring the services of foster parents if the rate
ware increased even more. Mr. Ashley agreed that foster parents should be well re-
warded for their services.
Concerning the Supplemental Security Income (S.S.I.) , Mr. McKenna stated that four
temporary employes were hired to begin work June 27, 1973 at the rate of $2.66 for
a 35-hour week. Mr. Buss said he thought the Board has approved this and are wait-
ing for the resolution to be drawn up. Mr. Connell will check into this. In the
absence of Mr. Billings, Mr. Ashley signed a form presented to him by Mr. McKenna
giving the formal authorization of the Board for the hiring of these temporary
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June 27, 1973
employes. This fora had previously been discussed with Mr. Billings. All ex-
penses connected with the S.B.I. Conversion are 100 per cent reimbursable back
to the county.
Mr. Box, contractor for the new welfare department building, contacted Mx. McKenna
June 26 and now feels that the groundbreaking for the new building will be delayed
about one week, or approximately to the middle of July. Mr. McKenna stated that
several Department employes, along with landlords Mr. Jim Smith and Mr. Dave Hart,
have been assisting in getting people in that area relocated. Everything seems
to be progressing well at this point.
Mr. Connell informed the group of the recent D.S. Supreme Court decision which
states, in part, that "a person receiving public assistance must accept reasonable
employment. . ." He felt this ruling should strengthen provisions requiring the
acceptance of employment for able-bodied people.
Mr. McKenna stated that about six months ago the Weld County Department was allowed
to go back to the practice of verifying such things as income, amount paid for housing,
etc. This procedure is more valid than was the simplified declaration process which
was previously mandated by the Stets. In the long run, verification procedure will
improve the accuracy of assistance Payments.
Mr. McKenna stated the Department is well within its budget at this time, a primary
reason for this being that caseloads are not running as high as had been projected.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11t3S a.m.
In Witness Whereof, the members of said Board have hereunto subscribed their names
in confirmation of said action and of the minutes thereof.
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Secretary an Director
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FiledOUN�ctaY theFWE ClerkD of the Board
of County Commissioners
JUN 2 91973
COUNTY CLERIC AND RECORDER
By_.. _.._ Deputy
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