Providing Quality Social Services in Plainfield at a Minimal Cost to Taxpayers

At Tuesday night’s meeting dozens of parents and concerned residents that have used or currently use services provided by the Bilingual Daycare Center filled the Courthouse. Through earlier conversations with some of these individuals, I learned that misinformation had been spread concerning the Council’s discussion of WIC, PAS and the Bilingual Daycare Center, all social services provided by the City of Plainfield. As I stated repeatedly at Tuesday night’s meeting, the Council did not plan nor is currently prepared to take any official action regarding any social services in Plainfield. We are, however, looking into more cost efficient ways to house these programs. The Council‘s goal is not to “dump” any program, but to ensure that these services are provided, without interruption and at the same quality level for those using the services but at a lower cost to taxpayers.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children) is a food and nutrition program that provides food and educational services to income eligible families. PAS (Plainfield Action Services) provides referrals for individuals in need of a variety of services. The Bilingual Daycare Center provides quality daycare for families who work during the day and need trusted care for their young children. All of these programs have impacted many families over many years. I understand why so many residents are passionate about the continued provision of these services. As I have stated publicly before, we must continue to invest in our children and families and these programs allow us to do just that.

In these challenging times, however, the Council must act both socially responsible and fiscally responsible. While federal and state grants cover a sizeable portion of costs associated with these organizations, personnel and administrative costs are passed on to the City's budget. Research may reveal that it is best to privatize (such as what was done with Dudley House), utilize County equivalent services (such as what was done with Welfare some time ago) or to leave the services as they are. Regardless of the outcome, research must be done.

In order to ensure that there is significant input from community leaders and residents that use these services, the Council has created a Social Services Committee. Each Council member will appoint one resident. This ad-hoc Committee has been created solely for the purposes of aiding in this research and will dissolve upon resolution of the matter. The Committee will work with and advise the Council before any decisions are made so that a well thought out solution is presented for approval.

As the year progresses there will be more updates on this matter.

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