Boyle County health department reports programs, keeps tax rate flat

Brent, representing the Boyle County Health Department, reported to the fiscal court that the department is not seeking an increase in its tax rate for the coming year and that he will present the tax-rate figure for the record. He described core programs including WIC and the HANDS home-visiting program and said the Bridge program—started in 2016 as a needle-exchange effort—now primarily provides food, shelter, phone charging and referrals to treatment services.

On finance, Brent said the department’s annual budget is about $2.1 million, employs roughly 40 staff, and carries a $443,040 retirement payment obligation related to the Kentucky Retirement System. He said roughly $69,200 represents the routine retirement contribution and $373,000 represents the additional amortization payment under the state system.

Brent told the court the department plans to add an electronic health-record system in the coming year and seek a full-time health educator to strengthen community outreach. He cited the Ephraim McDowell needs assessment as the primary data source for program priorities (diabetes, obesity, mental health, tobacco).

After the presentation the court voted to confirm the health department tax rate (no increase). Several magistrates recommended that Brent and staff prepare public-information materials on tickborne illnesses (including Alpha-gal) and other prevention messages if the health educator position is filled.

The court did not adopt new authorities or policy changes in response to the report; the actions were informational and resulted in the tax-rate vote and follow-up direction to staff.