Thursday, April 21, 2016

State Issues Mandate For Community Action Agency

At the monthly meeting of the Southeast Arkansas Community Action Agency Board, held at the headquarters in Warren on April, 18th, state officials of the Arkansas Department of Human Services ordered the organization to submit their monthly minutes to the state for review and monitoring.  Amid allegations that the minutes have not been accurately recorded and may  have been altered over a period of time, the state is instructing that all minutes be sent to DHS within 30 days of being approved by the Community Action Board.  Board members were told that the order is non negotiable.  The state had found two different sets of minutes for the same meeting dating back to August of 2013.  Current board member stated the minutes were not accurate.

Staff of the state Department of Human Services made an hour long presentation to the board prior to regular business being conducted as part of an ongoing training program for the board.  Along with discussing the way to keep and approve the minutes, there was also considerable information provided about the way to select board members.  Allegations are pending that several current members of the board are not properly appointed.  The state asked for documentation relating to board appointments before the May board meeting.

According to DHS and in compliance with state and federal law, the board must consist of one third elected officials or public appointees, one third low income citizens or representatives and on third from the private sector.  There are procedures as to how the selections are to be made from throughout the various counties that make up the Agency's service area.  The issue of the legality of some board members continues to be reviewed and will be addressed by the state.

While there does not appear to be any major financial discrepancies with the operations of the organization, there have been problems with the use of a company credit card.  The interim director told the board and the DHS staff that procedures are now in place to prohibit improper use.  According to reports from past meetings, all funds spent incorrectly have been recovered.

The regular board meeting consisted of detailed reports on the programs administered by the agency and a very specific financial report.  It appeared that information provided the board and the public has been substantially enhanced and the board is getting a better picture of agency activities.  The board voted to hire Searcy and Associates to conduct the next agency audit.

During the public comment period, three individuals spoke.  One asked questions about a specific program in Desha County.  Gregg Reep of salineriverchronicle.com cautioned the board about limiting executive sessions to discussions of personnel and reminded them that all votes to hire, fire, promote or demote must be done in public session and recorded in the minutes.  There has been suspicion that some meetings in the past may have consisted of policy and financial matters.  Mr. Darryl Johnson, of Crossett, spoke.  He has brought a number of allegations to the board and DHS over a period of time.  There was obvious tension between Mr. Johnson and some of the board members during his comments.

Everyone, board and guest, voiced their expectation that the agency should provide proper services to those who are in need within the agency's area of jurisdiction and that all aspects of the operation should be carried out legally and in an accountable manner. 

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