“We’re definitely seeing some increases in families that are being affected by drug addiction,” said Kelly Maffia, a clinical social worker at Mainstream Counseling in Huntingdon.

 

That increase is putting stress on addiction programs and the county Children and Youth Services.  In fact, 39 more children were placed in foster care than anticipated this year.  That, plus the addition of over 30 mandated but unfunded state regulations caused Huntingdon CYS to go $1.1 mil over last year’s budget. 

 

“Like everywhere else we are well aware of the impact that addiction’s having on our communities because we’re seeing it,” Maffia said.

 

Maffia added it is incredibly important CYS gets the funding it needs to ensure children get proper care.

 

“We all maybe come at and look at a situation from our own disciplinary perspectives, but I think the one thing we can all agree on is that the problem of addiction is one that is complicated,” she said.  “It definitely has some far reaching impact not only on the individual who is using the substance but their loved ones, the people that they interact with day to day. You know, it does affect parenting. It affects children.”

 

The tax increase being planned by commissioners is small, but they said it will help restructure the county 9-1-1 system and help fund other county building renovations.

 

Plus, they will increase the general fund to yield over $700,000.  Commissioner Scott Walls said historically, there has been a tax increase every four years.  This increase is less than typical.

 

“Sometimes what looks like spending money is really in the long run more about saving money, and using resources more efficiently,” Maffia said. “But we have to turn around the situation first before we can really see the savings.”

 

Commissioner Walls added he and the other commissioners believe the proposed budget is a responsible and transparent one.  Now that the opioid crisis is hitting people’s pocketbooks, though, leaders hope everyone will see this is an important issue.