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Metro Health frames FY2026 budget around grant funding, program consolidations and new inspection fees
Summary
Metro Health proposed a $79.2 million FY2026 budget with continued reliance on grants, proposed staffing realignments and changes to food-inspection fees; councilmembers pressed for details about Medicaid-funded positions, senior services and public-health capacity.
Dr. Clark Jacob, director of Metro Health, presented the department’s proposed fiscal 2026 operating plan and budget, describing program priorities, grant reliance and several cost-savings and restructuring proposals.
Metro Health staff said the department’s FY2026 proposal totaled approximately $79.2 million and included roughly 593 positions. Dr. Jacob told the council that external grants and subsidies make up a large share of the department’s revenue and that the department expects roughly $33 million in grant funding in the proposal year.
Staff proposed $2.2 million in restructuring savings, including reductions tied to administrative positions and the discontinuation of a paid sick-leave coverage program (noted in the presentation as $627,000). Metro Health told the council that some vacant posts would be eliminated or realigned and that a limited number of roles would transfer to other departments.
Dr. Jacob and staff also outlined an updated schedule of food-establishment inspection and licensing fees to reflect statutory and regulatory requirements. The presentation referenced Section 89 (food fee schedule) and detailed a tiered fee structure as drafted: small establishments (1–10 employees) proposed at about $400; establishments with 11–25 employees proposed near $700; larger-volume categories and mobile vendors were shown with their proposed fees (mobile vendors and some temporary vendors shown at a $150 flat fee per inspection; school-based activities and other categories had separate rates). Metro Health staff said the fee schedule will be discussed with the council in coming weeks and, if approved, would take effect in December.
Councilmembers asked for practical impact analyses, including how a fee increase might affect small restaurants and food-service programs and whether fee changes could reduce compliance. Dr. Jacob said Metro Health would provide memos with inspection volumes, fee impacts and estimated revenue, and noted the department is coordinating public messaging and outreach for small businesses.
Councillors also pressed Metro Health on contingency planning for the impending expiration of some long-running grants and the number of employees paid through Medicaid-reimbursed programs; in response staff said about 87 positions are currently supported by Medicaid funding and that the department is preparing for potential grant cliffs. Councilmembers requested district-level program data, details on senior nutrition and transportation upgrades, and a written plan describing how service continuity would be preserved if grant funding declines.
The council did not take a final vote on Metro Health budget items during the recorded session; staff said they will return with additional memos and recommended contract terms.
