Human Services Committee Meeting 10/21/26

The Chautauqua County Human Services Committee met on October 21, 2026. Members approved a 2026 budget amendment increasing Safety Net appropriations by $3 million, from $11 million to $14 million, to address higher-than-budgeted costs; officials said current projections were approximately $14–$14.6 million. The committee also approved a $120,000 budget amendment with a matching increase in federal-aid revenue. New York State Office of Mental Health grants were approved for the Mobile Crisis Team ($10,000 total, with $3,215 recognized in 2026) and the Children’s Single Point of Access program ($225,456 total, with $96,624 recognized in 2026). Another OMH grant of $595,333 was approved, with $379,923 recognized in 2026. Remaining grant funds are intended for the 2027 budget. The Children’s program will use an existing employee transitioning into the role, with no additional FTE planned. The resolutions carried; no vendor awards or contract approvals were reported.

The committee also discussed plans to lease and operate licensed homeless shelters, including proposed male facilities totaling approximately 40–60 beds and a proposed women-and-children facility of about eight beds. Sites remain subject to New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance inspections, expected in mid-November; lease terms, maintenance responsibilities, and required renovations are still under discussion. Officials said the shelters could reduce reliance on hotels and motels, with a potential opening targeted for summer after inspections and budget steps. No shelter lease or operating contract was approved at this meeting.