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Public health department presents modest budget increase and program updates
Summary
South Central Public Health Department presented its FY2027 budget to Gooding County, proposing a 0.5 cost-of-living increase plus 2% merit raises that would raise the county allocation by $428; staff also described Narcan box placement, vaping deterrence in schools, immunization clinics, and legislative bills of interest.
Logan Hudson, District Director for the South Central Public Health Department (SCPHD), presented the agency’s FY2027 budget request. SCPHD proposed a 0.5 cost-of-living increase plus a 2% merit raise; the change would increase Gooding County’s allocation by $428 compared with last year.
Cody Orchard, a health education specialist working on tobacco, vaping and mental health, described Narcan boxes placed around the community using Opioid funds and noted schools report vaping in bathrooms. Orchard said some schools use vape detectors that cost about $1,500 per unit; schools offer vaping classes and may fine students who refuse education. Orchard suggested directing Opioid funds to Juvenile Probation for testing and education.
Tanis Maxwell, Family and Children’s Health Division Manager, said SCPHD offers weekly immunization programs and has five families currently participating in Gooding County home-visitation early-childhood services. Environmental Health Director Josh Jensen praised Gooding County Planning and Zoning staff for collaboration, noted one active case against a resident with expected resolution by May 1, 2026, and said SCPHD enforces food-safety guidelines at farmers’ markets and inspects the City of Gooding public swimming pool under contract. Hudson also identified several legislative bills of consequence to public health (SB1283 on cottage foods, HB555 on solid waste, SB1222 on domestic wells). SCPHD’s budget committee will hold a public hearing on May 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
