The Shadow
COVINGTON, Va. (VR) – Renovations at the Alleghany-Covington Department of Social Services building are expected to continue through December, with full reopening anticipated after the first of the year.
The directors report stated that asbestos abatement has paused and is scheduled to resume the second week of December, following the election. Remaining work includes the lobby, hallway and bathrooms on the registrar’s side.
The lobby is currently open but is expected to close for about one week in December. Agency officials are considering using basement entrances to maintain public access during that period.
A bid meeting for flooring replacement throughout the building is scheduled for October 26. Installation is expected to begin in December, starting in the basement before moving to the first floor.
The agency reports 70 active foster care cases as of October 20. Four children are in the adoption process, and 11 are in residential placement. September caseload figures list six children entering care since the September 28 board meeting.
The department also reported 3,793 Medicaid cases and 1,810 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program cases across Alleghany County and Covington in September.
Staffing remains at 38 employees, with recruitment continuing for benefits program specialist positions. Interviews for the BPS IV position are complete, and the agency is awaiting a state decision on an offer. State review of screening materials for the BPS I/II position remains underway.
