County increases funding for DFCS

Next year’s DFCS budget will increase by $13,000 to a total of $29,000.

DFCS leaders asked the BOC for more money, noting that the department is trying to help Madison County foster families cope with soaring fuel costs. DFCS leaders have agreed to provide Madison County foster families with $50 a month for travel expenses.

“In the past they’ve had to absorb the cost of travel,” said DFCS chairman Gary Locke of local foster families.

The board also agreed to add $6,000 to this year’s budget to help cover the fuel costs for foster families.

In a separate matter, BOC Chairman Wesley Nash commended the DFCS board for being named Georgia’s “DFCS Board of the Year.”

“That tells me you’re doing a great job if you’re chosen first out of 159 counties,” said Nash.

The DFCS members were given a round of applause by the audience.