Hiring Jann Heffner as a consultant might lead to termination of Children Services Board

Board may get the boot
Butler Co. might ax Children Services
Henderson, Feoshia. Cincinnati Enquirer, March 13, 2007, pg. B1.

HAMILTON - Butler County commissioners said Monday that they might remove the Children Services Board within two months.

The move follows the commission's criticism of a planned six-figure consulting contract between Children Services and outgoing Executive Director Jann Heffner that commissioners said showed poor judgment by the board.

"This board has forced my hands, forced my feelings, with their actions," Commissioner Gregory Jolivette said.

Heffner resigned effective April 15, saying she had become a distraction at the agency that has weathered intense criticism since the August death of 3-year-old Marcus Fiesel in foster care. She will continue to be paid a salary and work on a court improvement project through June.

Shortly after Heffner announced her resignation, the Children Services Board gave her a $110,000 consulting contract. She would be paid $9,166 a month through July 1, 2008, according to the contract.

Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to notify board President Johnny Wade Sloan by letter that they're considering removing the board. Children services could be turned over to another private or government entity, the letter read.

Commissioner Charles Furman introduced the resolution. He said the contract with Heffner won't sit well with voters who are being asked to approve a 2-mill children services renewal levy this November.

"We must correct this problem if we are to pass a children's services levy in November. We cannot allow our children in need to suffer," Furman said.

Sloan said he was aware of the commissioners' plans, but declined to comment because he hadn't received the letter. "I'd like a chance to see first what action they are actually taking," he said.

Sloan said he plans to speak to the commission during its Thursday meeting.

The Children Services Board by statute has up to 60 days to respond to the letter, but commissioners have asked them to respond within 30 days.

Joe Bride, the board's consultant, said the board will meet soon to discuss a response.

"They haven't had a chance to meet yet or decide what they are going to do," Bride said.

Butler County Auditor Kay Rogers said she wouldn't approve the use of money for the Heffner's contract if the board goes ahead with it.