Pitkin County public‑health staff flag federal grant uncertainty; county plans Healthy Community Fund renewal for 2026 ballot

Jordana, a Pitkin County public‑health staff member, told the board on April 17 that the department has faced intermittent federal stop‑work notices on COVID‑related grants and that the county is watching litigation challenging federal funding actions.

Federal funding situation: Jordana said a stop‑work order affecting COVID‑related federal grants was issued March 27 and that litigation followed. On April 1 a coalition of state attorneys general filed suit and a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order preventing the federal callback until April 16; subsequent proceedings continued in other courts. "We're kind of waiting to see what is coming next," she said, and staff told the board that the county commissioners agreed to allow use of fund balance to cover any shortfall if grant funds are reduced.

Local revenue planning: Jordana also updated the board on the Healthy Community Fund, a local tax that supports the public‑health department, senior services and nonprofit health providers. The current measure expires in 2027; the board of county commissioners has directed staff to plan to place a renewal on the 2026 ballot to allow time for outreach and any changes before the measure would expire.

Why it matters: The Healthy Community Fund provides local operating support for the health department and partner services; potential federal‑grant changes could affect staffing and programs, so local tax renewal planning is intended to preserve county services in the face of federal uncertainty.

Next steps: Jordana said staff will update the board by email as litigation and federal decisions evolve and will begin planning outreach and ballot language for a 2026 renewal.