NUECES COUNTY, Texas — Nueces County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to combine the social services and veterans services department Wednesday.
Judge Connie Scott said the commissioners court had a difficult decision to make about the fate of the social services department. At the end, the best solution was to combine both departments.
"Specifically, it was funding last year, it was budget. There was some issues with that department that came up that also brought them to the forefront of this," Scott said.
Moving forward, the department will split grants to be able to continue to provide resources to the community. Scott hopes residents will seek help from non-profits first because some of their resources might be limited.
"You know we will work together to get the grants to the people that need them," Scott said. "So we want to continue the relationship of helping and trying to solve this problem. We just can't be the lead charge."
But not everyone is excited about the consolidation.
Local, Trudy Murphy said she's thankful for the social services department because they helped her with her mortgage and utilities. But she doesn't agree with this new decision. She believes combining both will reduce the resources provided by each department.
"I don't think it's right because the veterans need their part as well as social services need their part," Murphy said.
As for the former social services employees, Scott said they've helped the employees find new positions whether it's in the Nueces County Department or locally.
"Many of those employees in that department have already transitioned to other jobs within the county, that we have kept them working there," Scott said.