Orange County Human Services Consolidation

[William Oscar Fleming]

Dear Commissioners,

Please find attached a letter from the members of the Orange County Board of Social Services. In summary, the Social Services Board does not support consolidation of the Department of Social Services and the Department of Public Health in Orange County. Both agencies are well-run and respected locally and statewide. We have an existing governance structure that allows these departments to provide services free from undue political influence with Boards that can give their issues the time and attention they deserve. We have a team of highly qualified staff who deserve the support of the County and the ability to work in a stable system. We also believe that the current structure enables transparency and engagement with the broader community, a hallmark of good governance. We believe it is our responsibility as members of the Board of Social Services to advocate, and to mitigate, to the extent that we can, any further stress to our system, community, and Social Services staff.

We appreciate your consideration of our perspectives. Please let  us know if we can provide additional input.

Sincerely, Oscar Fleming, Chair, on behalf of the Social Service Board

919-441-1791

oscarf...@me.com

[Amy Fowler]

Dear Oscar Fleming,

On behalf of the Orange County BOCC, I want to acknowledge receipt of your email and attached letter that outlines your opposition to consolidation of the Department of Social Services and Health Department.

The BOCC will take your letter and opinion into consideration when we take up this matter.

Thanks again for sharing your perspective on this important issue.

Amy Fowler MD MPH

Orange County BOCC Vice Chair

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From: William Oscar Fleming <oscarf...@icloud.com>
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2026 12:02 PM
To: ALL_BOCC_MANAGER_CLERK <OCB...@orangecountync.gov>
Cc: Lindsey Shewmaker <lshew...@orangecountync.gov>; Travis Myren <tmy...@orangecountync.gov>
Subject: Orange County Human Services Consolidation

 

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