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Health department reports rising needs, county votes to hold tax rate
Summary
Health director Brent briefed the court on WIC caseloads, the Bridge program’s shift from needle exchange to social service hub, a $2.1M budget with $443,040 in retirement payments, and plans for an electronic health record and a full-time health educator; the court approved keeping the department’s tax rate unchanged.
Brent, representing the health department, told the court the department will not seek an increase in its tax rate and outlined services and budget pressures at the June 21 meeting.
On services, Brent highlighted WIC caseloads and the Bridge program, saying the Bridge has shifted from its original needle-exchange mission to a broader social-services hub providing food, phone charging, bus tokens and referrals to treatment. He said the department’s operating budget is about $2,100,000 and noted that roughly $443,040 this year went to retirement payments related to the Kentucky retirement system. "We're not raising asking for tax increases like that," Brent said when presenting the tax-rate paperwork, and the court approved the rate by voice vote.
Brent also said the department plans to implement an electronic health-record system in the coming budget and to restore a full-time health educator position. He described ongoing strategic planning and the use of a community health needs assessment to guide service priorities such as diabetes, obesity and mental health.
