Commissioners approve Southeastern Idaho Public Health’s FY2027 request; county asked to cover a 1% increase

Southeastern Idaho Public Health presented its FY2027 budget request and asked member counties, including Bannock County, to approve a 1% funding increase under the district's statutory formula. The health department's presenter explained the calculation (70% population / 30% assessed market value) and showed Bannock County's requested contribution of $1,151,729, a 3.2% increase over the current year driven by population and valuation changes.

The presenter said total expenditures are projected to fall slightly (about a 1% decrease overall) because of lower vaccine demand, but personnel costs are rising because of higher health‑insurance expenses. "When we look at our estimated personnel expenses...when we bring on four new EMTs...we're estimating that those personnel expenses are going to be about $450,000 for four new hires," a presenter said during later ambulance discussion; for the public health budget the board discussed a county request increase of $35,458.

The presenter cited Idaho Code 39‑424 as the statutory basis for the county funding formula and walked commissioners through population and market valuation changes that produced the recommended county share. Commissioners discussed alternative funding models (for example, a flat percentage of county operating budgets), the equity impact on smaller counties, and the timing constraints tied to county fiscal years and statutory public‑hearing requirements.

After discussion, a motion to support the health district's request and proceed with the funding process passed on a voice vote. Commissioners were reminded the district's budget hearing is scheduled for May 28 at 9:30 a.m., and staff were asked to provide any additional requested detail before that hearing.