Operation of the Tama County Career Development Center in downtown Tama is expected to continue to provide services to consumers without change. That was the word to The News-Herald from officials this week in the wake of the announcement the Poweshiek County CDC in Grinnell is closing July 1 "due to economic factors."
Bob Lincoln, who heads the eight-member County Social Services group which Tama County joined in February, said "We see no shortfall" in the budget to continue the program in Tama. The County Social Services group has taken over contract negotiations for the CDC operation. The contract negotiations were previously handled by the Tama County Board of Supervisors and Central Point of Coordination Office.
Jacque Goodman, vice chancellor of Iowa Valley Continuing Education, said Tuesday her office has a new contract for the Tama County CDC in hand.
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The Tama County Career Development Center in downtown Tama provides services to differently-abled consumers. It is located at 231 West 3rd St.
News-Herald/John Speer
Laura Schinnow, Iowa Valley director of Alternative Education, said that contract will go before the board at their July meeting.
It provides for a per diem charge of $53.70 per day for each consumer when they are at the CDC, a raise of two percent over the current contract.
The Tama County CDC, as well as those in Poweshiek and Marshall counties have contracts with Iowa Valley for operations which have been in place for a number of years.
On Wednesday, the Tama CDC was serving a total of 18 consumers. There are three staff members at the center here.
It was also learned Starla Elsberry, director of the Tama and Poweshiek CDC?programs has resigned.
Her position may be filled by existing staff who could have expanded hours Schinnow said.
According to the Iowa Valley news release concerning Poweshiek County CDC, Goodman said a one-year contract for services at the Marshall County Career Development Center in Marshalltown was approved by the Iowa Valley Board this month.
She noted "It did not include an increase in the per diem rate as requested by Iowa Valley to cover increased costs."
The Iowa Valley release explains the role of the CDC as "a community-based program which seeks movement toward the full integration of individuals with disabilities."
The Tama County Career Development Center is housed in a building owned by the Tama County Association for Retarded Children.