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Health department presents 2026 budget proposal with CHIP set‑aside; preparedness funding reviewed
Summary
Staff outlined the proposed 2026 budget, noted a projected 3% decrease in one comparison and a set-aside for community health improvement plan (CHIP) work, and discussed preparedness funding changes including one-time grant expirations and potential emergency-services-tax revenue.
Department finance staff presented the proposed 2026 budget to the Board of Health, describing the department’s calendar-year budgeting process, current assumptions and a reserve for Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) implementation.
Why it matters: the budget frames staff capacity and program delivery for the next calendar year; a set-aside in the administrative budget was included to fund initial CHIP priorities and related work.
Staff said the department’s total proposed budget figure is roughly $10.5 million under the county’s calendar-year budgeting framework, down approximately 3% from the current cycle when comparing select columns. That projection does not yet include any county-wide cost-of-living allowance or merit-pay decisions expected later in the county’s compensation process; those forthcoming adjustments would increase the department total.
Staff explained the year-over-year changes largely reflect the end of one-time federal preparedness funding (a previous MRC Strong grant) and base-level continuing grants and fees. The department expects about $240,000 in preparedness funding for core planning and operations; some capacity-building around the Medical Reserve Corps is possible if county revenue and decisions permit. The county’s emergency services tax (intended primarily for sheriff, fire and search-and-rescue) also provides a small offset that could be discussed if internal county contributions shift.
Staff said the department will submit the proposed budget to the county budget committee, county manager and county council for consideration, with adoption and any final adjustments expected by December so the department can operate under the approved calendar-year budget on Jan. 1.
Board members asked questions about grant stability and the prospects for federal funding after July 1; staff said allocations through June 30, 2026 are relatively secure, but federal allocations and titles may shift after the new federal fiscal year. Staff characterized the presented proposal as conservative and stated they would revise numbers as county-wide compensation decisions are finalized.
No formal action was taken at this briefing; staff said they will return with updated budget figures as the county’s compensation decisions are finalized.
