New Options going private

The operation of Scott County's day program for disabled adults, New Options, will be transferred to a private, non-profit organization after a unanimous vote by the Scott County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.

The program - the last of its kind in Minnesota to be run by a county - faced increased costs due to changes in state and federal regulations, county administrator Gary Shelton said.

The county considered continuing the program by using taxpayer dollars - in addition to state and federal waiver dollars - to increase staffing and meet new requirements, but decided to pursue an agreement with a community provide this past summer, he said.

"I know there'll be some short term pain, but I think in the long term we're going to have more choices and more opportunities for people with disabilities in this county," Commissioner Barbara Weckman Brekke said.

The meeting was standing-room-only, with many people in audience sporting red "I Support New Options" buttons.

Despite assurances, parents and community members remain concerned that transferring the program will lead to disruptions, inferior service and fewer accommodations needed to support medically fragile people.

"You heard a lot of answers that were 'we will try' ? not 'yes, we will,'" said Pat Jones, whose 29-year-old daughter, Kelly, has participated in New Options programming for eight years.

One of the best things about New Options was the continuity of care that came from high retention rate of qualified staff, thanks to excellent county salaries and benefits, said Jones and fellow New Options Parents Paul and Lynn Wise. Their daughter, Brianna, is 32 and has been at New Options for 10 years.

"That's been the biggest key for us," said Paul Wise. "When we take Brianna there, it's like you're dropping her off with family."

The five-year contract between the county and ProAct, Inc. is intended to provide as much continuity as possible. It will require New Options to keep its name and location. Ownership of vans used for transporting program participants will also transfer, allowing that service to continue, Shelton said.

In addition, most of the program's staff will be offered positions with ProAct at the same hourly wage provided by the county. Those who choose to take positions will be given some support transitioning from the county's benefits program to ProAct's, he said.

After the contract's initial five-year timeframe, it will be automatically renewed on an annual basis unless one of the party provides notice it wishes to withdraw, Shelton said.

Board chairman Michael Beard said before the final contract is approved, he wants assurance a Scott County commissioner will be able to attend ProAct board meetings and provide input on decisions, either as a member or an adviser. This would be in addition to a board seat held by a parent or community member impacted by the New Options program, he said.

ProAct's president and CEO, Steven Ditschler said he was not authorized to make that decision autonomously, but it would be discussed at an upcoming board meeting.

He also said he wanted to meet with Scott County parent groups and concerned community members to address their concerns regarding the change.

"I'm fully aware this is a very difficult change," he said. "We have not grown as an organization that's successful by delivering marginal, lousy services. Our intent is to come in here and exceed expectations."