In their ongoing series of departmental budget discussions, the Richland County Commissioners on Tuesday heard from and spoke with Janet Brock, Director of the Richland County Child Support Enforcement Agency.
Brock shared with the Commissioners that the department currently has 9,426 open cases with 28 employees. The number of employees has been as high as 39 and low as 23.
More than ten years ago, the number of employees was 65 before the collection department was taken away. The agency is on track to collect over $18 million for child support collections this year.
The Director continued to review the department’s performance in the four categories of paternity, establishment of support order, current support orders, and collection on arrears. The CSEA is down by a ½ percent in one category, and this the ninth year they do not expect to ask the General Fund for money.
Over the last couple of years, over $130,000 has been paid into the General Fund from IV-D Contracts with the Sheriff and Domestic Relations Court. This year the CSEA is anticipating $146,000 in revenue from the IV-D contracts.
Financial Officer Cindie Powell continued that she has to budget for the contract amount even though they do not also bill for the full contracted amount.
The 2018 budget shows $208,000 in expenses, but the department is assuming it will be closer to $146,000. Also included in the 2018 budget is new flooring for the lobby and kitchen areas. Brock explained they will watch expenses in the first quarter to determine if they can spend the funds for the new flooring.
Commissioner Tony Vero responded that he struggles with the budget that is reflecting a deficit from current revenues. The group discussed how that deficit reflects the contracted amount for the IV-D contracts and the $13,000 in flooring.
Brock stated they work very hard on not asking for funds from the General Fund.
Source: Richland County Commissioner Meeting Minutes
