Hays County Community Action Seeks $70K for Women's Health Services Amid Funding Crisis

A significant discussion unfolded during the Hays County government meeting on August 19, 2025, focusing on the urgent funding needs of local health services and community programs. The meeting highlighted the critical situation faced by the Community Action health services clinic, which serves uninsured residents and is struggling with a severe funding shortfall.

David Wiley, a grant consultant for Community Action, presented a compelling case for an additional $70,000 in funding to sustain their operations. He emphasized that the clinic has been losing money for years, with a recent funding freeze from federal Title 10 funds nearly forcing them to shut down. "We were within two weeks of having to close our doors," Wiley stated, underscoring the dire circumstances that have left the clinic reliant on donations and uncertain federal funding.

Commissioners expressed their support for the clinic's mission but raised concerns about the sustainability of funding. Commissioner Smith urged the clinic to seek additional funding sources, noting that many other organizations also depend on county support. Wiley acknowledged the need for broader funding strategies, indicating that the clinic has been actively pursuing various funding avenues but still faces significant challenges.

The meeting also addressed the financial needs of the Kyle Area Senior Zone, which has requested an increase in funding from $12,000 to $20,000 to support its growing programs for seniors. Cynthia Bentley, representing the organization, highlighted the increasing demand for services as the senior population in Hays County continues to rise. She emphasized that the current funding is insufficient to meet the needs of the community, particularly as many seniors rely on the organization for essential services.

As the meeting progressed, financial advisor Dan Weickmiller outlined potential projects and funding scenarios for the county's infrastructure needs, including the Eastside Campus and animal services building. He emphasized the importance of timely decisions regarding funding to ensure that projects can move forward efficiently.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing recognition of the pressing needs within Hays County's health and social services sectors. With the county's population expanding rapidly, the demand for comprehensive health care and community support services is more critical than ever. The commissioners are expected to deliberate on the proposed funding requests in the upcoming public hearing, with the hope of securing the necessary resources to sustain these vital services.