The duties and functions of a local board include:

(1)    to advise the local director as to the local application of State policies or procedures;

(2)    to be well informed on local departmental activities;

(3)    to communicate to the residents of the county, broad and comprehensive information as to the objectives, policies, programs, and problems of local social services and public assistance administration;

(4)    to review the periodic evaluation of the local department prepared by the Department and consult with the local director as to the proper implementation of the recommendations and any recommendations made by the local board as a result of its evaluation of the local department;

(5)    to review and transmit to the Secretary and the local governing authority:

(i)    the annual report of the local director on the activities of the local department; and

(ii)    any changes in policies or procedures the local board recommends;

(6)    to review and make recommendations regarding the annual estimate of funds needed for social services and public assistance purposes in the county;

(7)    (i)    to consult with the local director regarding any new service that might be instituted by the local director or the local board to meet an unmet need in the county;

(ii)    to approve or disapprove the local director’s evaluation of the readiness of the local department to take on the new service and the propriety of the new service within the State plan; and

(iii)    to present to the Department:

1.    suggested new services that the local board approves, regardless of whether the recommendation originated from the local director or the local board; and

2.    the recommendations of both the local director and the local board;

(8)    to take active steps to secure the appropriation of local funds by the local governing authority to meet needs that are:

(i)    not financed by or available through any other federal, State, or local plan, project, or program; and

(ii)    not in conflict with the State plan;

(9)    to meet with the Secretary periodically at the request of the Secretary or the local board;

(10)    to establish and maintain effective liaison with the local governing authority;

(11)    in conjunction with the Department, to serve as an advocate for social services and public assistance programs on the local, State, and federal levels;

(12)    to work to identify private, State, and federal grant sources for social services and public assistance programs;

(13)    in conjunction with the Department, to develop and implement an educational and public relations program for public and elected officials on the local, State, and federal level; and

(14)    in conjunction with the Department and the local executive authority or its designee, to evaluate the local director and make recommendations based on the evaluation to the Secretary.