Reno County public health director reviews annual report; commissioners set June budget work sessions and plan NRP notice

Carla Nichols, director of public health, presented the Reno County Health Department’s annual report and summarized the department’s program areas and fiscal position.

"We are just focused on prevention and education," Nichols said, listing administrative, childcare licensing, clinical services, health education, preparedness, medical reserve corps and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program areas. Nichols said the annual report summarizes the monthly reports commissioners already receive and asked board members to contact the health department for education resources and program coordination.

Nichols confirmed the department used carryover funds to cover lower‑than‑expected grant revenue for the prior year; commissioners referenced an operating carryover of about $2,025,000 during the discussion. Nichols praised her fiscal staff for close budget management.

County staff and the commission also reviewed a countywide financial report through April and discussed scheduling. The board set multiple budget work sessions in June: a session immediately after the June 11 commission meeting (with an employee picnic break and continuation afterward), an all‑morning session June 18 starting at 8:30 a.m., and a further session later in June. Staff said most departments are scheduled in 15‑ or 30‑minute blocks and that the meetings are open to the public though not televised.

Separately, staff said they plan to publish a public notice for proposed amendments to the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) for consideration on June 25. The county said the amendments are intended to make participating easier for city partners and are not expected to change the program’s overall scope.