What will be the future of the Senate Bill 40 Board, which provides services for developmentally disabled individuals was the first topic of discussion during the Phelps County Commission meeting Thursday.

Board members informed the Commission the agency is ready to start advertising for the position of director.

“We want to know if this person could hook into the insurance program,” the group’s Vice-President Jeanne Cavender said.

The position Cavender was refering to was a case manager, to coordinate services. According to the board members at the meeting, Cavender, Connie Chrisco and Bonnie Lewis, the state is wanting to diminish its role in the services, mandated by Senate Bill 40.

This is leading to more control of the activities by the local board, but is also leaving them wondering how they will compensate additional workers.

Seeking information from the commissioners, board members wanted to know whether a case worker could fall under the county’s health insurance.

“I am going to have to check with the auditors,” County Clerk Carol Bennett said in response.