A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Social Services Commission to delay further implementation of the Maximus audit recommendations for the Social Services Department until July 2006.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government contracted with Maximus to conduct a performance audit of the Metropolitan Social Services Department; and

WHEREAS, Maximus released its Social Services performance audit report in May 2004; and

WHEREAS, while conducting the audit, Maximus determined that the Social Services Department was not taking a lead in coordinating services and was duplicating some programs that are provided by other Metro agencies or nonprofit organizations; and

WHEREAS, as result of the performance audit, Maximus recommended a new model for the Social Services Department, whereby the department would act more as a coordinator of services rather than a direct provider of services; and

WHEREAS, the new model for the Social Services Department recommended by Maximus involves the transfer of the Knowles Home to the Hospital Authority, the transfer of parts of Family Services to the Metropolitan Action Commission, and the transfer of transportation services to the Metropolitan Transit Authority; and

WHEREAS, the transfer of the Knowles Home has already been completed, and the transfer of transportation services is scheduled to take place in November 2004; and

WHEREAS, many citizens that are or will be affected by the Maximus audit recommendations have expressed serious concerns about a perceived decline in services, and a large number of these persons are senior citizens who rely upon many services provided by the Metro Social Services Department; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Social Services Commission delay implementation of the Maximus audit recommendations until July 2006 to allow additional information to be gathered and to make a studied determination about how the Social Services Department can best serve the citizens of Nashville and Davidson County.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Social Services Commission to delay further implementation of the Maximus audit recommendations for the Social Services Department until July 2006.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to each member of the Metropolitan Social Services Commission.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, Erik Cole, Jim Gotto, Jim Forkum