Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board Meeting - October 24, 2025

Meeting Overview

The Buncombe County Health and Human Services Board held a virtual meeting on October 24, 2025. The session focused primarily on the impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown on local services, a significant transition in Medicaid plans for the child welfare system, and the review of board appointment candidates.

Key Decisions

The board took the following actions during the meeting:

• Agenda Approval: Board member Elizabeth Lima motioned to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed.
• Minutes Approval: Board member Elizabeth Lima motioned to approve the September 2025 board minutes with a change. The motion passed.
• Board Appointments: The board voted on three applications for board positions:
  • Eli Tilley: The board voted to table the application for further consideration by the Executive Committee. The vote was not unanimous.
  • Jennifer Henderson: The board voted to recommend her for appointment to the County Commissioners.
  • Mary Long: The board voted to recommend her for appointment to the County Commissioners.

Discussion Highlights

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the federal government shutdown and its effects on Health and Human Services programs. David Sweat, HHS Director, reported that staff are experiencing anxiety regarding the shutdown and emphasized the need for contingency planning and partnerships with community organizations to prepare for potential service disruptions. He noted that Medicaid will continue uninterrupted, while SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) will not issue new benefits in November, though existing card benefits remain usable. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits are expected to continue through November 15, and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is expected to continue in November.

Rebecca Smith, Social Work Director, presented on the Child and Family Specialty Plan, which transitions Medicaid-enrolled children and families served by the child welfare system to a single statewide plan managed by Healthy Blue Care Together. This change begins December 1, with a second phase including parents and caregivers to follow.

In the Director’s Report, David Sweat noted that the department is working on the FY26 budget and developing a plan to better serve the community during disasters. He also mentioned he would be in Chapel Hill for training with the School of Government on November 4, his one-year anniversary with the department.

Regarding the board appointments, Donna Mann raised concerns about Eli Tilley’s social media presence and potential ideological conflicts with the board's mission. Board members also acknowledged the need for vigilance regarding potential efforts to influence board decisions, drawing parallels with experiences in other school boards across the country.

Follow-ups

• Executive Committee Review: The Executive Committee will revisit Eli Tilley’s application and provide further recommendations.
• County Commissioner Appointments: The names of Jennifer Henderson and Mary Long will be forwarded to the County Commissioners for consideration and appointment.
• Contingency Planning: Staff will continue developing contingency plans to address potential service disruptions due to the federal government shutdown, including coordinating with community partners.
• Communication Strategy: Staff will prepare messaging to inform the public about potential changes in services and resources.
• Plan Transition: Staff will continue working with Healthy Blue Care Together to ensure a smooth transition for foster youth and families.

Impact

This meeting highlights the direct impact of federal policy changes on local social services. Residents relying on SNAP should note that no new benefits will be issued in November due to the shutdown, although current benefits on their cards can still be used. Families involved in the child welfare system will see a change in their Medicaid provider to Healthy Blue Care Together starting December 1. The board’s decision to table one appointment and recommend two others will determine the future composition of the board, with the final appointments resting with the County Commissioners.