Cochise County Health Department seeks funding for environmental health inspections

The Cochise County Budget Work Session on April 30, 2025, focused on public health funding and operational challenges faced by the county's health department. Key discussions highlighted the financial implications of utilizing Tucson's medical examiner services, as Cochise County currently lacks its own. The county pays a fixed rate for these services, regardless of the number of cases, which raises concerns about budget management.

The health department reported a decrease in revenues and expenses this year, attributed in part to reduced funding from Title 36, which supports mental health services. The department is seeking to address staffing needs, specifically requesting an additional environmental health specialist to manage a backlog of inspections for restaurants and septic systems. Currently, the department has eight specialists but struggles to meet the statutory requirement of annual inspections due to limited resources.

Another significant topic was the role of the public fiduciary, which operates under the health department. This division advocates for vulnerable individuals, including seniors and those with mental health issues, ensuring their financial and medical needs are met. The department is requesting administrative support to help manage the increasing workload associated with these cases.

The meeting also touched on the importance of environmental health services, which generate substantial revenue through inspections and permits. The department emphasized the need for ongoing technical assistance for new businesses and the management of complaints related to food safety.

Overall, the discussions underscored the challenges faced by Cochise County's health department in maintaining adequate public health services amid budget constraints and increasing demands for inspections and support services. The next steps will involve reviewing the budget requests and determining how to allocate resources effectively to meet the community's health needs.