By Cheryl Splain, KnoxPages.com Reporter
MOUNT VERNON — Matthew Kurtz, director of Knox County Job & Family Services, told the county commissioners on Monday that local officials are “re-energizing” an expansion project at the Children’s Resource Center.
The CRC is a joint effort between The Village Network and Knox County. Kurtz said the 20-year bond agreement between the two groups will expire in two years, and officials think it is time to look at expansion costs and possible re-bonding. “We’re afraid if we don’t move forward, we won’t do anything,” he told the commissioners. “We want to be sure our agencies continue their relationship.”
The building is owned by the county; TVN paid half of the bond as its lease cost to be in the building. TVN charges a reduced rate to the county for the beds reserved for the county’s use. Of the 12 residential beds available, Knox County averages between two and five, or 10 percent to 15 percent, of the capacity. Youths from surrounding counties fill the remaining beds.
In response to Commissioner Theresa Bemiller’s question as to whether the 50/50 cost split is working, Kurtz said, “I feel like we have a sustainable commitment from them.”
Plans call for a new building to be built; it will be attached to the existing building via a breezeway. The new building will house classrooms and occupational therapy offices among other services. Kurtz said that TVN is renting offices around town for its therapy services. TVN wants to bring those services on campus.
Kurtz gave the commissioners a 2017 budget for Knox Area Transit. Changes from the 2016 budget include lower fuel costs, an increase in administrative salary costs and higher revenue from elderly and disabled fares due to increased ridership.
He also reported there has been some staffing turnover in children’s services, and he is in the process of filling several supervisory positions.
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