HD40 - Report on the Study of Consolidation of Local Departments of Social Services


Executive Summary:
During recent years, questions have been raised by legislators, legislative staff, local governing bodies and staff in the executive branch of several governors about the feasibility and desirability of merging local departments of social services (local departments). There are currently 121 local departments ranging in size from seven or eight employees to several hundred employees. Questions raised have generally been related to cost savings and the potential for improved services or improved administration. The questions are often accompanied by requests for comparisons to the State Public Health and Mental Health Systems, both of which have fewer local offices. These continuing questions served as the basis for the language in Item 352 E 2 of the Appropriations Act (2003) that asked for this study and recommendations for how to address these issues.