Weston County signs amended grant agreement with Wyoming Department of Health for public health staffing

The Weston County Board approved the chairman’s signature on the grant agreement between the Wyoming Department of Health, Public Health Division, and Weston County. Staff told commissioners the grant year begins July 1 and that the state currently is funding 75% of the total $94,000 award.

A staff member said the Department of Health and its contractor have prioritized salary and benefits in the current allocation; the county was informed that, pending later amendments, the remaining portion of funding typically used for equipment or office costs may not be released immediately. Staff said the county would need to cover roughly $3,000 of costs that the grant had previously offset (phones, computer costs) if the full $94,000 is not ultimately provided.

Commissioners asked whether the 75% allocation would cover the local public health employee’s salary and benefits; staff confirmed the current amount will cover the employee referenced in the meeting. Commissioners approved the motion to authorize the chairman’s signature; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote with no opposing votes recorded.

One commissioner noted that the grant helps the county by bringing a public-health worker to the community and by partially offsetting general-fund costs. Staff said they will forward any amended agreement to the board when it arrives from the state attorney general’s office.