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Winona County approves appointments, CDC grant amendment and $15,000 SAHA contribution; EDA seats filled
Summary
At the March meeting the county approved a CDC public-health grant amendment, appointed Ross Dunsmore as community health services administrator, filled two EDA vacancies, and voted 3— 2 to allocate $15,000 in SAHA funds to a local homeless shelter request.
Winona County's board cleared several routine and consequential items during its March session, approving personnel, grant and funding measures that will shape near-term public-health and housing work.
Actions at a glance: The board approved a CDC Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure grant amendment (staff said it contains contractual language the county is already following); the Community Health Board approved naming Ross Dunsmore and Marine Holty as agents and subsequently a resolution appointed Ross Dunsmore as community health services administrator. The board also approved EDA appointments to fill two vacancies and voted to allocate $15,000 of prior SAHA funds toward a Catholic Charities request for homeless-shelter operations.
On the SAHA contribution: Commissioner Begley moved to allocate $15,000 from existing SAHA funds; the motion was seconded and after public discussion about whether county involvement could displace private-sector momentum, the board approved the allocation on a 3— 2 vote. One commissioner asked for a tangible breakdown of how the money would be spent; staff said the original request indicated the funds would support staffing for the emergency shelter and that staff could provide details if requested.
On the CDC grant amendment and appointment: Jill (human services staff) summarized that the CDC amendment added contractual language on incentives and gave the state ability to end the contract; she noted the county was already following the practices described. A motion to approve the amendment passed by voice vote. A separate resolution to appoint Ross Dunsmore to a community health services post was approved during consent business.
Why it matters: The CDC amendment keeps the county in compliance with federally funded program requirements; the Dunsmore appointment fills a leadership role in public health administration as the department adjusts to staff transitions. The SAHA funding decision directs limited federal-block-style housing assistance dollars toward an immediate shelter need while prompting debate among commissioners over government's role versus private efforts.
Vote details and next steps: The board recorded voice votes for consent items and a 3— 2 result on the SAHA allocation. Staff agreed to share the original SAHA request budget and additional specifics about how the $15,000 will be deployed.
