title
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
end
Requested Action(s)
recommendation
a) DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION TO STAFF - On September 23, 2025, the Board provided direction to staff to present a proposal and recommendation regarding organizational restructuring for the department of Social Services and Public Guardian/Public Administrator office. Staff recommends restructuring all three services, Public Guardian/Public Administrator/Public Conservator, under the department of Social Services
body
Financial Impact:
It is recommended the Board restructure the Department of Social Services to incorporate the services of the Public Guardian, Public Conservator, and Public Administrator. A restructuring in this fashion will provide more efficiency, effectiveness, and realize cost savings and new revenues while ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.
An overall estimated budget savings of $304,591 is expected for the County's General Fund.
The proposed reorganization includes holding three previously budgeted full-time positions and replacing them with two more targeted, half-time roles. While reducing overall costs, small, necessary investments are also being made in budget line items, such as Training and Professional Services.
In addition to these savings, the projected new revenue estimate from the Public Administrator cases has a preliminary estimate of approximately $50,000. While this is a significant increase from the $15,000 historically budgeted, it is recognized that this projection is optimistic in its initial term; however, staff are still evaluating the status of the current caseload.
This revenue estimate will be closely monitored throughout the year. The strategy includes conducting a comprehensive review of the new workflow, with budget projections to be adjusted within the year based on actual staff workload and revenues collected.
The reorganization is a vital step towards the County’s fiscal health. Immediate results include a reduction in departmental spending, increases revenue, alleviates the strain on the General Fund while simultaneously focusing on the County’s residents who rely on these services.
Background Information:
At the September 23, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board provided direction to staff to present a proposal and recommendation regarding organizational restructuring for the Department of Social Services and Public Guardian/Public Administrator office. Following extensive discussion and collaboration, the recommendation is to restructure all three services (Public Guardian, Public Conservator, Public Administration) under the Department of Social Services.
The restructuring aims to enhance the efficiency, financial sustainability, and effectiveness of the Public Guardian, Public Conservator, and Public Administrator services for the residents they serve. A range of options have been carefully considered.
The proposed recommendation is projected to save the General Fund more than $304,000. The fiscal advantages expand into making county assets work smarter for the taxpayer:
1. Unlocking County Assets: As a result of this restructuring, an entire county building will be vacated, providing the Board with a valuable opportunity to either lease or surplus the property, thereby generating a new revenue stream.
2. Increasing Revenue: This newly focused team will be better positioned to manage Public Administrator cases. It is anticipated that this approach will allow for the capture of approximately $50,000 in additional revenue, representing a dramatic increase over the $15,000 historically re-budgeted annually.
3. Reducing Operating Costs: The department has historically maintained more vehicles than employees. Under the proposed recommended plan, the fleet will be aligned with the operational needs and staffing levels, directly reducing ongoing fuel costs, maintenance, and insurance.
The budget will reflect a more accurate and realistic projection. A modest allocation of $5,000 for overtime has been included to address emergencies, an essential consideration that was missing in previous budgets.
Finally, the recommended plan streamlines management by consolidating these services under the existing Department Head, establishing clear accountability while reducing administrative overhead.
The overall outcome is a more efficient department, a balanced workload for staff, and a stronger, more resilient budget. This plan reduces expenditures, increases revenue, and streamlines county operations, all while ensuring the continued and improved delivery of essential services to the community.
Overall, this reorganization represents a necessary measure to support the County’s long-term fiscal health, particularly the General Fund. In today's challenging financial climate, where stable funding from state and federal sources is not guaranteed, identifying local efficiencies is essential. This initiative directly aligns with the Board of Supervisors' strategic goal of safeguarding county resources and promoting more efficient operations.