Health department to ask commissioners to approve state and local contracts for water surveys, meals and supportive housing services

Gina James of Cowlitz County Health & Human Services told commissioners the department will present three items at the next meeting: an amendment to the county’s contract with the Washington State Department of Health to add funding for sanitary surveys of Group A water systems (systems serving more than 15 connections), a Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) public services contract for $70,000 with a $66,500 pass-through to Lower Columbia CAP for Meals on Wheels, and a renewal contract with Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington to fund supportive services at the Phoenix House.

James said the State contract funds sanitary surveys, typically requested of local health departments, and staff expect about seven Group A systems will be surveyed this year. On the CDBG award, James said the county will retain approximately $3,500 for administration and pass the remainder to Lower Columbia CAP. She described the Phoenix House contract as supporting roughly 20 units that typically serve about 20 adults and 20–25 children who are exiting inpatient treatment; eligibility requires leaving a treatment program and the contract pays for on-site supportive services to aid self-sufficiency.

James said Housing Opportunities of Southwest Washington may soon receive state funding for a related development. The department has been asked whether the county would join a joint press release to announce state and local commitments; commissioners indicated no objection to participating.

James offered to bring additional program performance data if requested but did not record a vote or formal approval in the public transcript.