The county health department director, identified in the session as Taylor, asked commissioners to include funds for an electronic health-record system, grant-writing services and to consider facility options as the department has reached capacity in its current space.

Taylor said she proposed a modest contractual increase to begin an EHR rollout in January and included funds for grant-writing services to support planning for a possible building. She said she compiled a binder with possible properties and rough cost estimates and does not intend to start grant work until the commission authorizes moving forward.

Taylor told commissioners her aim is to have the majority of any new building’s cost covered by grants and that she has gathered ADA and contractor estimates to inform next steps. She said she budgeted about a $37,000 increase overall in the department proposal but noted final decisions on raises and a new facility depend on commission approval and successful grant applications.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions; no formal decision to pursue a building was made during the work session. Taylor said she will return with further detail if the commission approves grant-writing support.