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Health department urges gradual restoration of county levy as reserves dwindle
Summary
Kathy Ferguson of the Lee County health department told the finance committee the department’s levy was cut years ago and cash reserves have fallen to roughly $148,000; she urged a phased restoration toward historical levy levels to rebuild a 4–6 month reserve and sustain services amid federal grant cuts.
Kathy Ferguson, a representative of the Lee County health department, told the county finance committee that the department’s levy was reduced years ago and that restoring it—ideally gradually—should be a priority to rebuild depleted reserves. "At the end of last month, I'm guessing around a 148,000," she said, and added that historically the department maintained far larger fund balances.
Ferguson and committee members discussed restoring the levy toward historical levels (a figure presented in the packet showed about $450,000 previously tied to the health department). She noted a 32% reduction in a state family planning grant that reflects federal funding cuts cascading to the county and said the department relies on a mix of grant revenue and levy support. "We do bring in a lot of grant dollars...but what we definitely depend on from the county board, is our levy amount," Ferguson said. Committee members signaled openness to a phased approach and asked staff to model possible ramp-up scenarios. The committee did not take a formal vote on a levy change at the meeting; members said further discussion will follow in finance work sessions.
