Monroe County Council tables health department request for fourth disease-intervention specialist amid contract uncertainty

Monroe County Council on Tuesday delayed approving a fourth disease intervention specialist (DIS) position requested by the Monroe County Health Department, citing the absence of an executed state contract backing the additional federal funding.

The council’s action followed months of shifting grant guidance and a March award letter from the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) notifying the county it was eligible for an additional $58,835 to support a fourth DIS. Health Department representatives said they have a signed contract covering three grant-funded DIS positions but not yet the amendment that would add the fourth position and that IDOH does not expect to issue amendments until the state’s fiscal year opens July 1.

Why it matters: Disease intervention staff perform case investigation and contact tracing for sexually transmitted infections and other reportable diseases. The county’s request touches funding that mixes state- and federally‑sourced public‑health grants and requires clear contract authority before the county changes payroll or appropriates new recurring…