The Hamilton County Commission heard pleas today from a social services agency whose funding is being threatened.
During its second day of budget hearings, the commission heard recommendations that it should cut funding for the Children’s Home Chambliss Shelter’s emergency shelter in half and cut off funding entirely next year. The group home treats boys who have been put in state custody.
According to county Director of Social Services Judi Byrd, the county is trying to move away from subsidizing a program for children who are wards of the state.
“We want to work with the Children’s Home, we think they do splendid work in extended child care … but we believe that they really have not heard what we have presented to you and to them,” committee Chairwoman Mai Bell Hurley told commissioners.
Phil Acord, president and chief executive of the group, said the Chambliss Home heard it. It just disagrees.
“These are Hamilton County children,” he said. “They’re saying, ‘We don’t have a responsibility any more.’ I contend that they do.”
Mr. Acord said the program can’t function without county support.
Ms. Byrd said the committee has recommended the commission fund two other Children’s Home Chambliss Shelter programs: A 3.8 percent increase for the extended childcare program and maintain funding for the Maurice Kirby Child Care program.
But Mr. Acord disagrees with the suggestion to reduce funding for the Children’s Home Chambliss Shelter to $97,660.
For complete details, see tomorrow’s Times Free Press.