MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County officials are working to clarify questions surrounding nearly $900,000 in state health grants after the topic generated discussion during a recent county commission meeting and on social media.
During last week’s Reno County Commission meeting, Commissioner Randy Parks requested additional information on several health department grants that had appeared on the consent agenda. The request removed the items from the consent agenda so commissioners could review the details before approval.
Hirst said the decision was intended to ensure commissioners fully understood how taxpayer-funded grants would be used.
“We need to have as much information as we can about the use of the grants,” Hirst said. “Grants are funded by taxpayers, and we want to make sure those funds are being used properly and that services aren’t being duplicated.”
The grants, which total roughly $889,000 from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s Aid to Local program, support a variety of public health services provided by the Reno County Health Department.
County Administrator Randy Partington said the grants fund programs that often serve residents who may not have access to care through private healthcare providers.
“There are quite a few line items,” Partington said. “Some include chronic disease risk reduction, education about vaping, smoking and substance misuse, and women’s health services. There are also programs that reach populations who may not be able to access private medical providers.”
Other grant-funded programs include maternal and child health initiatives, family planning services, immunizations and nutrition education.
Health officials say immunization programs help ensure vaccines are available for children who are uninsured or underinsured, while maternal and child health programs provide support for expectant mothers and young families.
“These programs fit directly into the county’s responsibility for the health and welfare of its citizens,” Hirst said.
Partington said grants represent a significant portion of the health department’s overall funding. The department operates on a budget of roughly $3 million, with funding coming from grants, property taxes and service fees.
“Grants are a big part of the health department’s budget,” Partington said. “Property taxes make up another portion, and the department also collects fees for certain services and reimbursements.”
One program funded through state support is childcare licensing, which Reno County administers for both Reno and Harvey counties. Partington said the arrangement was created several years ago as part of a regionalization effort encouraged by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Under the agreement, Reno County oversees inspections, education and licensing for childcare providers in both counties.
“The important thing to note is that the childcare licensing program is funded 100 percent by the state,” Partington said. “No Reno County property tax dollars are used to provide those services in Harvey County.”
Grant funding also supports public health emergency preparedness efforts. County officials said those resources help coordinate responses with local emergency management agencies and community organizations during disasters or other health emergencies.
Commissioners are expected to continue reviewing the grant details before final approval.
Reno County Commission meetings are held at 9 a.m. on the second, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of the month in the Veterans Room of the Reno County Courthouse.