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Douglas County health director says $900,000 state workforce award increased by population-driven formula; hiring paused amid federal funding uncertainty
Summary
Director Hill explained an increase to a state workforce award to about $900,000 and described a temporary hiring pause while federal preparedness funding remains uncertain; a resident asked whether the board had informed congressional representatives of local impacts.
Director Hill told the board the county's local workforce award from the state Office of Public Health Partnerships and Practice rose to about $900,000 this year after a formula adjustment tied to population. "This year, because mostly because of our population change, it's up to 900,000 per year," the director said.
The director also reported roughly $111,000 in revenue to the vital records program in the last quarter from a Tri-County arrangement and described several smaller grants for items such as car-seat programs and firearm-locking devices to prevent youth access after several youth suicides.
On staffing, Director Hill said she placed a temporary pause on filling some vacancies because of uncertainty around federal public-health preparedness funding and a prior HHS attempt to claw back awarded funds. "The precipitating issue was that the HHS secretary attempted to claw back some money that was already awarded. That's what started this hiring pause," she said. She added that advocacy is ongoing and that the department is monitoring federal and state actions.
During public comment, Highlands Ranch resident Marcus Brooks asked whether the board had notified congressional representatives of the local impact of lost federal grants. Director Hill said she is "working with state and federal public health partners to try and keep track of at least of where this all stands" and that advocacy efforts are underway; the transcript does not record a formal board vote or letter asking congressional representatives to intervene.
Ending: The director asked the board to ratify acceptance of funding awarded since the last meeting; the meeting transcript does not record a formal roll-call vote on ratification.
