Also a public hearing on the matter will be conducted Friday in Abilene.
Those wanting to keep the local office open may not have to worry if recently-announced guidelines from the state are followed.
“While nothing is set in cement yet we want to make sure there is adequate coverage in every part of the state,” said Stephanie Goodman, communications director of the Health and Human Services Commission.
Goodman said to make sure that coverage is in place, guidelines have been established to say that rural constituents should not have to drive more than 30 miles to reach a state office. If that rule is followed, the Snyder office would probably remain open since the next nearest office is in Big Spring, which is approximately 50 miles away.
Even if the office here remains open it won’t be called a Department of Human Services office. That agency is being disbanded and the duties it performs divided between two other agencies. Some of the duties will be given to Health and Human Services and the remainder to the Department of Aging and Disability, Goodman said.
At least one of the county commissioners will be attending the open hearing in Abilene Friday, and others on the court may attend. The meeting will be at Abilene Christian University Biblical studies building from 4-8 p.m. Anyone wishing to speak will have to sign in and will be allowed three minutes.