Adair County board reviews 28E public‑health agreement with Guthrie County; legal review requested

Adair County public‑health officials presented a proposed intergovernmental 28E agreement with Guthrie County that would allow Guthrie County Public Health to provide services while Adair County develops a sustainable local public‑health program.

Jotham Arber, Public Health/Environmental Health, told the Board of Supervisors the Board of Health has approved the agreement and that it has been submitted for legal review. He said the agreement outlines required public‑health and home‑health services, includes a six‑month review after implementation and annual reviews thereafter, and is intended to maintain current service levels with minimal disruption during transition.

Board members asked for specifics on cost and operations. Supervisor Baier asked about service rates; Arber said rates are expected to remain consistent with those currently used by the hospital. Supervisor Wedemeyer asked whether the current budget would cover services for the year; Arber said it would and noted the agreement requires detailed line‑item reporting to improve transparency for future funding decisions. Supervisor Hoadley suggested potential grant opportunities could help with future startup costs if the county later chooses to establish its own public‑health office.

Arber also said the agreement contemplates offering ARNP services at the jail to reduce inmate transports; he told the board such services would likely result in costs similar to hospital visits but could address problems proactively. Katherine Olesen thanked the board for its work on the proposal.

Next steps: the draft 28E agreement will undergo legal review by the county attorney before the board considers final approval or any changes recommended by counsel.