County accepts $20,000 public health emergency preparedness grant

The council voted to accept a $20,000 public health emergency preparedness grant that county staff said would be used for contract services to perform preparedness duties.

A health department representative told the council the award came through unexpectedly and that the $20,000 will be used to fund salary for the person fulfilling preparedness duties or be contracted through the health department. The representative said the amount was reduced from an earlier estimate of $25,000 to $20,000 and that the county’s health department and emergency-management staff will administer the funds.

Council members approved the grant application and acceptance by voice vote. The council was told the contract position can be administered through the health department, and the department head would determine who holds the contract; the presenter said Dr. Wells would have authority to manage the contract. The council also noted the funds could be used without a formal outside contract if the health department staff performed the duties directly, subject to the county’s procedures for creating the fund and approving the budget.

The motion to accept the grant was made by Nick and seconded by Anton; the vote was recorded as carried.