Natrona County health leaders describe WIC sublease terms, warn of utility and budget impacts

Natrona County health staff told the County Commission on the floor that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program will operate inside county-owned office space under a sublease administered through Natrona County, and that the county should expect increased utility and supply costs tied to the move. Health department staff said the short-term agreement covers 2,511 square feet at 475 South Spruce and will not exceed $23,854 through the end of the calendar year.

The county health official said the state provides WIC with IT and pays initial staffing and equipment costs, and that the county receives an 8% indirect for salaries. The official said initial negotiations proposed $17 per square foot, BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) market data suggested $21, and the parties agreed to $19 per square foot before the short-term contract…