Pulaski County approves health department carryover funds and Vax Care donation fund

Pulaski County Council voted to appropriate carryover state Health First Indiana (HFI) funds held in account 1161 so the county health department can pay outstanding invoices and support ongoing programs. Edwina Guffy, speaking for the health department, presented a line-by-line request for the carryover funds.

Guffy listed proposed uses from the carryover, including postage ($200), nurse liability insurance ($200), uniforms ($600), computer software and hardware ($2,000), dues and subscriptions ($1,000), office and supply costs ($7,000), printing and advertising ($1,500), repairs and maintenance ($2,500), self-help services ($15,000), official records ($1,500), medical and dental supplies ($2,500), travel ($8,000), and professional services ($7,688.25). She said these are unspent funds from 2025 that remain in account 1161 and require appropriation for use in 2026.

Council members confirmed this carryover is state-provided money originally budgeted in 2025 but unspent, not a new county expenditure. A motion to appropriate the 1161 carryover funds passed by voice vote.

The council also approved adding $7,000 to the health department’s overtime account (1159) to pay accrued compensatory time and authorized setting up a Vax Care donation fund. The council approved dividing future Vax Care receipts 50/50 between a donation fund to support community health incentives (such as screenings and training) and the general fund. The motion to appropriate overtime and to split Vax Care money passed by voice vote.

Guffy said the health department has brought in more than $30,000 in Vax Care funds over the last two years and proposed the donation fund to expand public-health programming and offer incentives.

Next steps: staff will appropriate the carryover funds in account 1161 and set up the donation fund as directed.