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59 change from standard to electing status. Mr. Cook asked the Board to approve the technical changes and clarifications recommended by the State and to request standard county status for Cabarrus County. He stated in his opinion it would be too much of a financial risk to continue with the electing status request due to the condition of the State budget and the economic downturn. Further, he advised it would be possible for Cabarrus County, as a standard county, to implement some policy innovations under a local bill that Senator Hartsell has introduced to extend and expand the County's Work over Welfare demonstration project. Mr. James Polk, Social Services Program Manager, briefly discussed the recommended changes to the Work First Block Grant Plan. He stated the changes were primarily in eligibility criteria and in the wording to help eliminate the possibility of future lawsuits. UPON MOTION of Commissioner Privette, seconded by Commissioner Freeman and unanimously carried, the Board approved the following action: (1) Change status of Cabarrus County's Work First Plan from electing to standard and authorize the Chairman to sign the revised status change form; (2) Certify recommended changes to the 2001-03 Work First Block Grant Plan and authorize the Chairman to sign the revised certification page; and (3) Approve a request by the Department of Social Services to apply for a $25,000.00 Consumer Action Seed Grant through the Center for Health Care Strategies. Vice Chairman Carruth thanked Social Services staff members for their hard work. He pointed out there had been a 69.2 percent decrease in the Work First population from 1995 to 2000. There was brief discussion regarding the Medicaid program, specifically the increase in cost and program policies. Mr. Cook stated the Social Services Board is proposing some consideration of changes in the Medicaid program such as the use of a formulary, co-payments, deductibles or limits. He also discussed the success of the Carolina Access 3 program, a managed care system, in Cabarrus County and possible expansion of the program. Resolution Re~ardin~ Area Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Authority Mr. Dan Coughlin, Area Director of Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare,. gave a brief overview of the proposed mental health reform legislation and the potential impact on the local mental health program. House Bill 381 would restructure the local delivery system and shift costs, responsibilities, liabilities and governance of local -mental health/developmental disabilities/substance abuse program from the existing public authorities to the counties. Mr. Coughlin stated there is both support and opposition among counties in the state to the proposed legislation. He referenced a recent letter from Mr. Ron Aycock, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, addressing recommended changes in the legislation and the need for counties to have an option in developing local programs. There was lengthy discussion concerning the local mental health program, which consists of four counties (Cabarrus, Rowan, Stanly and Union) and how the proposed legislation would impact the delivery of local mental health services. Board members expressed satisfaction with the current program and addressed concerns related to potential increases in County costs and liabilities if the proposed legislation is approved as written. UPON MOTION of Chairman Fennel, seconded by Vice Chairman Carruth and unanimously carried, the Board adopted the following Resolution. Resolution No. 2001-06 RESOLUTION REGARDING AREA MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE AUTHORITY WHEREAS, Piedmont Behavioral Healthcare Area MH/DD/SA Authority (under this and former names given to this organization hereinafter referred to as Area Program) has provided quality mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services to the citizens of Cabarrus, Stanly and Union Counties since 1974 and Rowan County since 1997; and WHEREAS, the Area Program's administration has been responsive and accountable to the Board of Commissioners and citizens of this County; and WHEREAS, the current Area Program has provided stable and responsible administration of its programs; and