RD66 - Local Department of Social Services Funding Requests for Renovating Existing Space, Relocating or Constructing New Space - November 2007


Executive Summary:
This report contains a prioritized listing of projects requiring funding in local departments of social services (LDSS). The report was developed as directed by the Act in an effort to more systematically evaluate funding requests made by LDSS’ through their elected state representatives. The list was compiled using a data collection model developed by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) with support from the Virginia League of Social Services Executives (the League) Administrative Committee. The data collection tool was developed considering guidance provided in the Act, similar tools used by the Departments of Health and General Services, and VDSS and League core team members.

Clearly, a systematic approach to addressing LDSS space needs in local departments is greatly needed. Over the past decade, there have been a few instances where funding was provided to a specific locality through General Assembly member amendments or other state budget means. There was also one case where a total of $1.8M in state and federal funds was appropriated to address LDSS space needs. In many localities, local funds have been used to meet LDSS space needs.

The information contained in this report is prospective in nature. We were not asked nor have we attempted to make the case that past local investments in space should be reimbursed to a locality. In some cases, localities may argue that they are being penalized if they solved LDSS space needs locally. Appendix F presents information from localities not directly addressed in the data collection process to allow an opportunity to get their specific local experience on record.

This report prioritizes local space needs based on a set of quantitative measures. Ratings of LDSS space were completed at the local level based on the model discussed previously. The raw data received were then normalized for scoring disparities and weighted based on criteria agreed to by VDSS and the League Administrative Committee.

The prioritized listing of local department space needs is presented at Appendix D. To begin to address these needs, VDSS recommends funding be considered to address, as requested last year, the needs of the top thirty localities that have indicated local funds are available to match state and federal funds. In general terms, LDSS space costs are paid by a mix of approximately 40% state, 40% federal and 20% local funds. The total cost of this recommendation would be approximately $2M including $800K in state general funds.

In addition, VDSS recommends funding be considered in the amount of $1.3M to address the cost of space increases either absorbed previously at the expense of other administrative funding requirements or increases anticipated in the current year. These funds would be distributed to LDSSs expressing needs in the data collection process. At the 40/40/20 ratio described above, state general funds of $520K would be needed to address these needs.