North Shore Health Department requests up to 4.14% municipal increase after federal grant cuts; director says staff reductions and fee changes planned

Becky Rowland, executive director of the North Shore Health Department, briefed Shorewood trustees on Sept. 15 about funding pressures and a constrained request for 2026. Rowland said the department experienced about $210,000 in funding cuts, including the phaseout of pandemic‑era grants, and initially requested a 13% increase to meeting statutory public‑health mandates; her request is limited by the department’s intergovernmental agreement and she said she is officially seeking a 4.14% increase from member municipalities for 2026. Rowland described staff‑level adjustments to reduce costs: the departure of a senior nurse supervisor on Aug. 1 created an opportunity to replace that position with a lower‑cost hire at 0.75 FTE rather than a full‑time senior hire; a part‑time limited‑term nurse’s hours will be reduced. She said roughly $100,000 in personnel costs were reduced by those moves — and she cautioned that only one staff member currently takes the department’s insurance plan, which lowers the department’s benefit obligations. To increase revenues, Rowland said the department will propose a 15% increase in licensing fees for food establishments, hotels and pools (which must be approved by member municipalities), pursue grants through a newly formed North Shore Health Department Foundation with 501(c)(3) status, and bill insurance where possible by enrolling in networks. Trustees thanked Rowland for creative measures; some asked for more education to help the public understand mandated public‑health services and the department’s role. Rowland said she will share a detailed memo she previously provided to managers that documents mandated services and funding impacts. Ending: Rowland’s 4.14% request will be processed through the intergovernmental agreement; trustees asked staff to circulate her memo and continue the conversation before final municipal votes.