Public Health presented multiple operational updates to the board on Oct. 23, including pending fee changes tied to a state rule, an unanticipated federal award, and WIC program funding details.

Staff member Katie told the board that the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s revised rule ATCP 72 is expected to be posted soon and would take effect roughly 90 days after posting. The rule will change fee categories and increase some fees; the county’s environmental health fee schedule will be updated to align with the state rule and staff will bring fee recommendations to the board in December for review and likely a January vote.

Katie also said the department received an unsolicited Title 10 award of $48,000 that must be spent by March and asked for board approval to accept and allocate those funds so programming can continue into the next fiscal year when the department expects federal grants to decline. She noted the department is tracking Title 5 (maternal and child health) award notices and potential reductions in dedicated funding for STI clinic operations.

On WIC, Katie explained that the state receives rebates tied to a sole-source contract with formula manufacturer Abbott and that the state has been using rebate revenue to support WIC operations; staff expect continued WIC business-as-usual and an influx of some new clients who may lose SNAP benefits.

Katie also highlighted harm-reduction and outreach activities, including donated winter hats from a local congregation for distribution and a scams-and-fraud presentation planned for Nov. 6 focusing on senior-targeted fraud and military identity theft.