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Raleigh County approves health‑department reorganization after months of review
Summary
Raleigh County commissioners approved a proposed health‑department reorganization and budget reductions after hearing staff say the package would reduce the 2026 budget by $660,930, while commissioners insisted on retaining one child‑care licensing position through June 30 to allow service continuity.
David Adams, director of the Raleigh County Health Department, told commissioners that his staff’s plan would cut what they described as unnecessary overlap and bring the department into closer alignment with grant and fee funding. "Recommendations before you today result in a cost savings of $660,930," Adams said, asking the board to approve changes including relocating several divisions into the main health building and converting one nursing role to a community‑health worker to increase billable services.
Elizabeth Ward, the county’s director of human resources, walked commissioners through a funding matrix showing which services are grant‑funded, fee‑funded or taxpayer supported and outlined specific position changes by division. Ward said the proposal relies in part on improved billing processes and cross‑training: "We need a system that is working together or we can't capture the billing," she said, describing plans to have staff learn more efficient intake, documentation and coding practices.
Commissioners pressed for clarity on the timeline for hiring a permanent director and whether an assistant director position should be added. One commissioner said the board should hire a director first and then jointly decide whether to add an assistant; Adams and Ward responded that without an assistant director the department risks losing supervisors who have told staff they are overwhelmed. After discussion the board approved the proposed reorganization and budget with a modification: to retain the childcare‑licensing specialist position through June 30 so that existing state funding and services continue during the transition.
The vote was taken by voice; commissioners moved and seconded the motion and representatives confirmed the revised package will return to staff for final budget numbers and job descriptions. County staff said they will bring formal job listings for the health‑department director and assistant director within weeks and that the departmental reconfiguration will be implemented in phases to minimize service interruptions.
