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Board approves health staffing additions but hears multiple grant cuts and a federal termination that will reduce services
Summary
The board approved a budget modification adding three positions to meet patient demand, but the health department also reported a $455,075 federal grant termination in Rockwood and a large reduction to the Healthy Families grant, which staff said will reduce services and eliminate one county FTE.
On multiple agenda items the Multnomah County Board approved staffing and budget changes for public health while hearing warnings that state and federal funding shifts will reduce services in some programs.
R2: Hassan Bader, finance and budget manager for ICS, requested approval to increase visit revenue by $428,794 and add three FTEs: two medical assistants at Fernhill Health Center and one senior business analyst for clinical systems. Bader said the revenue will come from non‑governmental grants and operating revenue generated by increased patient visits. The board approved the budget modification by roll call.
R3: Public Health Director Kirsten Eyre (recorded as "Kirsten Eyre" in the transcript) described a CDC grant rollover that continues culturally specific nutrition work and the county’s participation in a three‑year grant. Budget staff summarized the item as primarily a $148,800 increase for contracted work and professional services and noted other small changes; commissioners asked about spend‑down and reporting, and staff said they are on track to use the funds through the grant term.
R4: The board was told a federal Rockwood Environmental Justice grant was terminated, resulting in a loss of roughly $455,075 and elimination of one FTE. Kirsten Eyre said the termination affects weatherization efforts, community health worker training, and workforce development in East County; staff reported about $220,000 of the grant had been spent and that an appeal was unsuccessful. Commissioners asked whether curriculum developed through the grant could be leveraged elsewhere; staff said content exists and they would seek partnerships and appeals where possible.
R5: Eyre also presented a Healthy Families grant reduction described in the materials as roughly $26,523,041 and a related loss of one county screening position that helps route families to community‑based organizations. Staff said reductions will decrease home‑visitor supports and office support and will leave approximately 28–30 families without services due to the staffing change. Commissioners requested data on outcomes and said they expect follow‑up discussions during the FY27 budget process.
Board action: The board approved each budget modification by roll call. Commissioners and staff emphasized the equity considerations of reductions and said they will seek ways to reuse curricula, coordinate with Metro where relevant, and pursue appeals when possible.
