Northampton Supervisors agree to front funds to keep Social Services running during Federal shutdown

Northampton County’s Department of Social Services will continue operating through November despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, after the Board of Supervisors voted to front emergency funding if needed Tuesday night.

Appearing before the board, Social Services Director Mozella Francis warned that federal dollars, which typically reimburse the county within 30 days, are currently inaccessible due to the shutdown. Without local intervention, core services would halt as early as next month.

She said the department is funded through October but will require approximately $230,000 to operate in November, with an estimated worst-case local liability of roughly $150,000 if federal reimbursement fails. Historically, she noted, the state and federal government have always repaid counties after prior shutdowns, but she cautioned that “we are living in unprecedented times.”

If funding stopped, Francis said the county would be forced to suspend critical functions including child protective services, adult protective services, SNAP and fuel assistance processing, as well as foster care and adoption payments.

Supervisors voiced immediate concern.

“It’s hard to imagine saying no to our constituents — these are basic necessities,” said Supervisor Ernest Smith. Supervisor Betsy Mapp agreed, pointing to Northampton’s large elderly and low-income population: “This would hurt the entire community — even the grocery stores.”

County Administrator Charlie Kolakowski recommended passing a formal resolution authorizing temporary funding authority, with a required status report back to the board at its November 19 meeting. The board unanimously approved the measure.

“We normally front the funds anyway — the only difference is we can’t count on when the reimbursement will come back,” Chairman John Coker said before the vote.

As long as the shutdown continues, Francis may need to return in November to request additional support.

“Thank you,” she told the board. “This ensures that Northampton’s children, families, and seniors do not go without critical services.”