Although traditional “welfare rolls” have decreased, thanks to new programs to find them jobs, overall spending for the past fiscal year increased by more than 8 percent, up from $85 million the previous year.

The vast majority of the budget is federal money through the Medicaid program, paying for medical treatment and nursing care for many of the county’s seniors and others.

Rowan Social Services Director Sandra Wilkes said the growth came in federal and state spending, with no increase in the county’s share.

Wilkes tied the spending to increased services for a growing senior population and more programs for children.

The overall spending report was part of the presentation of the annual report to the Social Services Board which met Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting came after a nearly two-hour open house at the new offices of the Children’s Services Division on Mahaley Avenue.

More than 50 staffers moved into the former Tri-County Mental Health facility in July. More than 100 guests attended the open house.

The county chose to renovate the building to provide offices, moving the division out of rental property.

Social Services employees and officials praised the new facilities, citing better working conditions and more privacy for clients.

Board members conducted a short business session following the open house.

Discussion included a possible board retreat in October, with members preferring to return to Camp Dogwood in Iredell County.

Cathy Stewart, a department employee and president of the local chapter of the N.C. Social Services Association, gave the board a brief update on activities.