The Renville County Human Services department has experienced a challenging year due to a high staff turnover rate amidst growing demand for services. The upcoming year is anticipated to bring additional hurdles, with expectations that the demand across most service areas will remain steady or increase, along with a rise in the complexity of cases. This scenario is compounded by potential cost increases as state and federal governments consider cost-cutting measures.
The department faced a 35 percent employee turnover rate in 2024, necessitating the recruitment of 22 new employees. Despite these efforts, the department remains one position short of full staffing, and certain areas report caseloads exceeding state guidelines. The Human Services Director highlighted the vital role of local, state, and federal programs in supporting county residents, emphasizing the ongoing challenges and initiatives within the department.
According to the department’s statistics, 9 percent of Renville County’s population receives public assistance for basic needs. The county, with a population of 14,348 as per the 2023 census, has seen substantial reliance on specific programs. Notably, 27 percent of residents, equating to 3,879 individuals, participated in Medical Assistance for healthcare costs in 2024. Minnesota’s Medicaid program, known as Medical Assistance, provided $50,686,467 in revenues for healthcare providers in Renville County, with the federal government contributing the majority of this funding.
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) also plays a crucial role, aiding 1,074 residents in 2024. SNAP generated $1,849,426 for local food retailers, with federal funding covering nearly all of this amount. Despite these supports, food insecurity remains a concern in the county.
The department observed an upward trend in adult protection cases over recent years, although numbers have stabilized lately. In the area of child protection, 182 assessments were completed last year, with 62 active cases by year-end. Child care availability remains a pressing issue; while the number of licensed providers has stabilized, the county currently meets only 76 percent of its child care needs, falling 154 openings short of full capacity.
Efforts are underway to address the child care shortfall, with plans to expand services at the Meadows on Main facility in Renville. This initiative aims to create additional space for day care providers, as the county continues to explore solutions to enhance child care availability.
