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Board recommends 2026 public‑health budget to commissioners; behavioral health facilitator included, air‑quality specialist not funded
Summary
The Pitkin County Board of Health voted to recommend the department’s 2026 budget to the Board of County Commissioners. The package includes a funded behavioral‑health facilitator position (term‑limited) but does not include a requested environmental health air‑quality specialist, which staff said lacks a funding source.
The Pitkin County Board of Health voted to recommend the public health department’s proposed 2026 budget to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), approving the package that includes the behavioral‑health facilitator but excludes a requested air‑quality specialist for environmental health.
Jordana presented the budget context, noting federal funding volatility, a projected county revenue drop tied to airport closure in 2027 and the county’s $1.5 million three‑year contingency pool to offset downstream impacts. Jordana said the Healthy Community Fund, which expires in 2027, currently provides roughly 28.6% of the public health budget and also supports mental‑health and other community services.
The board discussed budget line items including a proposed WIC payment to Eagle County Public Health to cover the county’s share of WIC clients and contract increases for community clinical services. Jordana said some state flows are delayed and federal funding is often braided through the state to local budgets.
During the roll call, a board member moved and the board voted to recommend the department budget to the BOCC. The transcript records: "So moved." "All those in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Great. We please proceed with the BOCC." The board later moved and approved the Smuggler Mountain Superfund fund budget recommendation.
Staff told the board two new position requests had been submitted through county administration. Jordana said the behavioral‑health facilitator is included in the recommended budget and funded via the joint funders group; the proposed environmental air‑quality specialist was not included because the department has not identified a funding source. Staff said the facilitator hire is slated to be term‑limited for three years and funded by partners.
Ending: The budget recommendation will go to the BOCC for formal approval; staff will return as needed to discuss additional position requests if funding becomes available.
