Adair County board reviews 28E public‑health agreement with Guthrie County

Adair County Public Health Director Jotham Arber told the Board of Supervisors on June 24 that the county has submitted a proposed 28E intergovernmental agreement with Guthrie County that would let Guthrie County Public Health provide services and help establish a sustainable local public‑health program in Adair County. The Board of Health has already approved the agreement and the county has forwarded it for legal review.

Arber said the draft includes a six‑month review and annual reviews thereafter, and that services and home‑health duties would be clearly itemized with line‑item reporting to provide transparency for future funding decisions. He told supervisors the agreement is intended to minimize disruption during the transition and that the local hospital would continue to assist in emergencies. Arber also raised the possibility of providing ARNP services at the county jail to reduce inmate transports, noting projected costs would be similar to current hospital visits.

Supervisors asked about rates and oversight. Supervisor Christoffersen asked whether an early review provision existed; Arber confirmed the six‑month review. Supervisor Baier asked whether service rates would change; Arber said rates are expected to remain consistent with those the hospital currently charges. Supervisor Hoadley suggested grant opportunities could offset startup costs if the county later establishes its own public‑health office. Katherine Olesen thanked the board for its consideration and left the meeting at 9:27 a.m.

The agreement will proceed through legal review before the board takes any final action. The board did not vote to adopt the 28E at this meeting; rather, staff signaled the next step is county attorney review and return to the board with legal guidance and any recommended edits.