Citizens' Advisory Committee

The Citizens’ Advisory Committee is formed under the authority of Minnesota Statute, Section 402 HUMAN SERVICES, and specifically, Section 402.03 ADVISORY COMMITTEE. The Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties’ Board has further delineated purpose, duties, and composition of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee within Article VIII of their By-Laws.

Purpose and Duties

The overall purpose of the Advisory Committee is to serve as an advisory committee to the Human Services Board. In fulfilling this purpose, the Committee duties shall include:

1. provision of information in the development of plans, budgets, or special studies assigned by the Board
2. review and evaluation of operations and implementation of approved plans and budgets;
3. effort to be aware of the mandate and mission of the agency and its programs;
4. attempts to understand the responsibilities of personnel, as well as the constraints placed upon them;
5. contacts with other community leaders and political leaders;
6. suggesting ways of achieving goals and improving operations;
7. review and comment on special interest group and community at-large input regarding programs, service, and approved plan implementation;
8. performing such other powers and duties as may be provided by law and/or assigned by the Human Services Board.

To assist the Committee in performing its duties, members will be provided with:

1. clarification of the mandate and mission of the agency;
2. explanation of current trends in program content and requirements;
3. information on the choices available for the use of resources and achievement of goals;
4. results of evaluations of program delivery;
5. opportunity for member orientation regarding other human service agencies, programs, services, and timely issues;
6. technical assistance to members in seeking information on the needs of fellow citizens, performance, and opportunity to influence policies;
7. periodic joint Human Services Board-Advisory Committee meetings for purposes of feedback, communication, and coordination.

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meets quarterly from 5:30-7p.m. in February (virtual), May (in-person), August (in-person) and November (virtual). Members receive a meeting stipend for their time, a meal when meeting in-person and reimbursement for any travel expenses. CAC Membership is designated by statute with representation including clients/consumers, community support services and professionals. 

Community Representative Board Members are appointed by the County Board to serve a three-year term as voting members of the Health & Human Services Board. In even-numbered years, the Martin County Community Representative chairs the Citizens' Advisory Committee and serves on the Human Services Executive Committee. In odd-numbered years, the Faribault County Community Representative assumes these roles.