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Douglas County approves $205,000 ARPA transfer for two‑year community health worker in Northeast Precinct
Summary
As part of the consent agenda, commissioners approved a $205,000 transfer from administrative ARPA funds to create a two‑year community health worker position to be hosted by the county Health Department and deployed in partnership with The Bridge and the Empowerment Network in the OPD Northeast Precinct.
Douglas County commissioners approved a $205,000 transfer from administrative ARPA funds Tuesday to the Health Department to fund a two‑year community health worker position that will work with The Bridge and the Empowerment Network in the Omaha Police Department’s Northeast Precinct.
The transfer was included in the consent agenda motion moved by Commissioner Rogers and seconded by Commissioner Morgan; the consent agenda passed 7‑0.
During public comment, resident Larry Shore urged caution about using ARPA funds for ongoing positions, asking what would happen if federal funding were rescinded: “How will you fund that position if that happens? My property taxes are so high I may have to sell,” Shore said, and asked the board to reduce discretionary ARPA spending.
Commissioner Cavanaugh requested detail on the $205,000 figure during the consent‑agenda discussion. A county representative explained the amount funds a two‑year position that includes salary and benefits and that the role is designed as a county Health Department employee under a three‑way agreement with The Bridge and the Empowerment Network. The representative said the budgeted amount equates to roughly $70,000 salary per year plus benefits and other costs spread over two years to reach $205,000.
The representative said the community health worker will act as a navigator connecting families with health and social services and will be deployed in the city’s Northeast Precinct in coordination with the OPD precinct captain and local service providers. At the end of two years the county will evaluate program results and seek private funding if possible to continue the position.
Commissioner Borgeson and others asked clarifying questions about program scope and funding sustainability; county staff said the transfer places funds “in hand” for the two‑year position while Health Department budgets and external funding possibilities are assessed.
The county confirmed the transfer comes from ARPA administrative funds. The resolution authorizing the transfer passed on the consent agenda, 7‑0.
