The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va (VR) The Alleghany County, Covington Board of Social Services covered issues ranging from office improvements and shifting public assistance requirements to a critical search for a new director during its regularly scheduled meeting this week.
The meeting, which began with a roll call confirming a quorum, highlighted several matters directly impacting local residents and the agency’s operations. In response to a public inquiry regarding the proposed relocation of the Social Services offices, officials confirmed that the county will not fund a move to a new location at this time.
“Plans are in the works to update this building,” said board member Eston Burge, adding that another wing on the lower level is being prepared to accommodate office needs. Although there will be no new facility, improvements are planned to enhance current workspaces.
Administrators reported the agency’s caseload as steady for August, despite the conclusion of a seasonal energy program.
The PIPP program and regular SNAP and Medicaid applications continue to serve county residents. Addressing rumors about the future of Medicaid, staff emphasized that the program remains available; however, substantial changes could be coming. “Medicaid is not gone, it’s very strong,” stated Jessica Meadows.
Officials detailed statewide discussions about implementing more rigorous work requirements for able-bodied adults seeking Medicaid—mirroring rules already in place for SNAP recipients.
These requirements could eventually require participants between 18 and 65 to either work or qualify for specific exemptions, such as disability or caregiving responsibilities. Administrators warned that tightening exemptions, such as lowering the age threshold for dependent children, could shrink the eligible caseload. An immediate adjustment, however, involves SNAP applications.
Going forward, applicants will need to provide additional documentation to verify expenses, such as utilities, whereas previously, statements were sufficient.
“Everything is coming down so that the client is going to have to prove they are responsible for paying these expenses,” Meadows explained,
noting that these documentation changes have not yet been applied to Medicaid.
Minutes from the August 22 and August 28 meetings were approved without objection. The board’s discussion then turned to administrative expenditures, which are currently above the targeted percentage for the year.
“We’re a little higher than we want to be, but we’ve paid all of our insurance and other annual expenses up front,” said a finance officer. “I feel very strongly that next month we’ll be back to level out, so no concerns there.”
The Public Assistance Fund, which supports foster care and related programs, was also reported at 22.7%, higher than the desired 16.67%. Board members agreed to continue monitoring these metrics and adjust as needed.
The board addressed the ongoing process of hiring a new director for the Social Services agency. The position has been publicly posted on the state website, with additional vacancies for BPS, FSS, and HSA roles.
“We haven’t heard back from the state yet about the number of applications, but the process has begun,” an official noted. The board will keep members updated as more information becomes available. The director’s report highlighted 39 current employees, the progress of active foster, kinship, and trial homes, and one finalized adoption this month. Four children were recently reunified with their families.
Community engagement was demonstrated by a recent restaurant fundraiser, where a portion of food sales and donations benefited the Clayton Nicely Memorial Food Pantry. A monthly newsletter curated by Lori Paris was acknowledged for promoting community events and spotlighting staff achievements.
The meeting adjourned to a closed executive session to discuss confidential personnel and foster care matters, in accordance with Virginia law. As changes to Medicaid and SNAP loom, and with leadership transitions underway, the Social Services Board pledged to keep both its staff and the public informed of significant developments in the months ahead.
