Board hears draft public-health modernization plan; delegates signature on corrected OHA IGA amendment

Stephanie O'Neil and Katie Flom presented a draft public-health modernization and implementation plan to the Crook County commissioners, describing it as an adaptable, living guide that outlines core public-health capabilities including disease prevention, health promotion, emergency response, environmental health and community partnerships.

"One of the most important things to know about the plan is that it's designed to be long term and adaptable," O'Neil said, adding the plan will be updated annually and tied to required reporting. Staff emphasized the plan is due to the Oregon Health Authority by Dec. 31 but said formal board adoption is not required for submission; the board's feedback would strengthen final alignment.

Katie Flom explained Amendment 4 to the county's intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Oregon Health Authority corrects earlier language that had inappropriately assigned oversight duties for "very small water systems" to the county. "There's no financial change in the [agreement]," Flom said.

County counsel recommended documenting the discussion in the minutes and delegating signature authority to Katie Flom so the corrected IGA can be recorded consistently across county records. A motion to delegate authority to Katie Flom to sign Amendment 4 was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

"If Katie is willing to be the person for her John Hancock on here, I think that's fine," one commissioner said prior to the vote. Voting commissioners voiced "aye." The board recorded the discussion in the minutes.

Ending: Staff will submit the corrected IGA to the Oregon Health Authority and return to the board if further formal adoption is later requested.