Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves small adjustments to public health laboratory fee schedule
Summary
The Board approved an amended public health services laboratory fee schedule for fiscal year 2026'27 after Public Health Director Renee Sinceri explained that the lab is a regional resource, not a profit center, and that the proposed changes are projected to raise about $15,000 annually while preserving free access for patients.
The San Joaquin County Board on Aug. 4 approved proposed adjustments to the Public Health Services laboratory fee schedule for fiscal year 2026'27 after a staff presentation that emphasized the lab's regional role and its public-health mission.
"We turned around that test less than 24 hours, less than 12, actually," Public Health Director Renee Sinceri said, describing the lab's capacity to provide rapid, specialized testing for human, animal and environmental specimens that commercial labs cannot run locally. Sinceri said the lab aims for cost recovery to reduce reliance on the general fund and does not charge individual clients for testing services.
Staff presented a projected small increase in net revenue from the fee changes — roughly $15,000 based on prior-year demand patterns — and clarified that some fees were reduced due to efficiency gains while others were added for new tests and rising supply costs. The board opened the public hearing, heard no speakers on this item, and approved the amended fee schedule by a 5-0 vote.
Supervisors praised the lab's ability to reduce turnaround time for potential outbreaks and to support nine surrounding counties; several members emphasized the need for transparent justification when departments propose fee changes going forward.
