FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

0403 - Div of Human Services General Administration Fund, 8722 - Cons Federal Funds Div Human Services Gen Adman Fund

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund,Other Fund Federal

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The purpose of this bill is to create a commission that will develop a pilot program to help at-risk youth in a selected county in West Virginia by introducing prevention strategies for children through early intervention and diversion strategies. The proposed legislation states that the program will be operated by a local community-based organization in partnership with other state and private agencies (CONTRACT). There is not enough specific information as to the duties of the organization. Therefore, the following assumptions were utilized. Based on recommended caseload ratios, it is estimated that the costs of opening an office and providing case management to the target population would be $350,520. This assumption is based on salaries totaling $223,000 for 1 FTE - Director @ $50,000, 4 FTE - Caseworker @ $37,000, 1 FTE Administrative Assistant @ $25,000, and benefits of $66,900 (30% x $223,000). Additional costs include computers ($7,200 = 6 x $1,200), desks ($1,800 = 6 x $300), chairs ($1,200 = 12 x $100), phones ($1,200 = 6 x $200), annual copier lease ($4,800 = 12 x $400), initial phone fee ($1,500), annual phone/fax/internet service ($6,000 = 12 x $500), postage ($1,200), office supplies ($3,600), rent ($12,000), utilities ($2,400), caseworker travel ($9,720), liability insurance ($5,000) and training ($3,000). Based on these estimates the on-going yearly costs would be $337,620. Computers ($7,200), desks ($1,800), chairs ($1,200), phones ($1,200) and initial phone fee ($1,500) are one-time costs, and are not included in the on-going yearly costs. The caseload ratios assumptions that were used are; caseworker 1:17, supervisor 1:6 and administrative assistant of 1:6. This budget does not include costs for the delivery of intensive wrap around services. We are not able to project costs for undefined services and uncertain quantities of those services. However those additional services would significantly increase the cost for this initiative. Also the bill, as written, could lead to children being served that are not in the department's purview and there is no way to accurately gauge the number of children that could be ultimately served (i.e. truancy). The current efforts/strategies of the Department do align with the goal of the proposed commission and the pilot program as briefly outlined in the bill.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2011
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2012
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 350,520 337,620
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 350,520 337,620
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 0


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):






Memorandum


It is not clear from the bill, as written, who would be responsible for the costs of the Commission. The Department estimates that the annual cost of the Commission will be $5,000 based on 5 non-state employees receiving $1,000 annually for 4 quarterly meetings @ $250.00 per meeting. Section 18-21-4 states that the partnership will include Prestera Center for Mental Health Services. The bill does not specify which area of the state will be chosen for the pilot project, therefore, it may be premature to include a specific provider in the bill. As written, the bill refers to incorrect sections of State Code, 18-21-1, 18-21-2, 18-21-3 and 18-21-4 which relate to Education, specifically Underwood-Smith Teacher Scholarship Program. Also, the bill uses a past effective date of July 1, 2010 in 18-21-2 (a) for creation of the commission.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Michael J. Lewis, M.D., Ph.D, Cabinet Secretary
    Email Address: dhhrbudgetoffice@wv.gov