The change was sparked by the investigation into and firing of long-time Children’s Services Director June Cannon of Beavercreek in early March by the five-member Children’s Services Board.
Cannon, who has not been charged, is under investigation for fraud and theft, according to the sheriff’s department and prosecutors.
The five-member board, appointed by the commissioners, voted last week, 4-1, to recommend the commission change control over the operation. The board asked to remain as an advisory board for a transition period of perhaps a year. Commission President Greg Simmons said after Thursday’s vote the board members’ role in the future agency operations has not been discussed by the commissioners.
Simmons, a former Children’s Service agency employee, called for exploration of a merger shortly after Cannon was fired. He said the Job and Family Services structure would provide more financial oversight.
“I know there is a lot of angst and a lot of, ‘Where do we go from here?’ … But I think that this is going to be a very good merge, and there is not going to be a whole lot of change,” Simmons said.
He invited board members and agency employees at the meeting to speak.
Chris Long of West Milton, a Children’s Services Board member for several years, was the only one to offer comment.
“I want to personally and publicly acknowledge the superb performance of the supervisors and the employees of Children’s Services prior to and during the impact realized by the wrongdoing of one single individual. The welfare of children under the care of these very dedicated and focused persons continues to be the driving motivation for each one,” Long said.
The commissioners said placing the agency under Job and Family Services had some disadvantages, but overall the positives outweighed the negative.
Among positives cited: avoids duplication of administrative duties and costs; brings operations under rules and policies of the county commissioners; provides human resources department services to help ensure consistency throughout county departments; promotes efficient operations and use of funds; and promotes greater coordination of efforts of two agencies that provide services to families in the county.
Commissioner Jack Evans said thanked the staff for ongoing quality work. “Their conscientiousness and concern for our children in our county is one that we really appreciate and look forward to you continuing to do,” he said.
Commissioner Ted Mercer thanked the Children’s Services Board members for their service and dedication. “Change is difficult, but I think as we move forward we will find out that things work just as well as they worked in the past,” he said.
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