MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Reno County officials say no action has been taken to close the Reno County Health Department or reduce its funding, addressing what they described as misinformation circulating on social media.
According to county officials, the Reno County Commission did not vote to eliminate the department or cut its budget during its Feb. 25 meeting. Instead, commissioners removed two health department grant items from the agenda to request additional details before taking action.
The items included approval of the Reno County Health Department’s Kansas Department of Health and Environment Aid-to-Local grant application in the amount of $889,513.80 and approval of the KDHE Outreach, Prevention and Early Intervention Services passthrough grant totaling $350,000.
Commissioners said they asked for a clearer breakdown of the services and programs supported by the grants to ensure informed decision-making. County officials emphasized that the request was informational and not a proposal to eliminate funding.
To allow for further discussion, commissioners scheduled a study session for 4 p.m. Monday, March 2, in the Veterans Room at the Reno County Courthouse, 206 W. First Ave. Study sessions are work sessions designed for commissioners to ask questions and gather information. No formal action will be taken during the session.
Any formal vote regarding the grant applications would occur at the commission’s regularly scheduled meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 11.
Commission Chair Ron Hirst said the commission’s intent is to make informed decisions.
“The Commission simply asked for an explanation of what services are supported through each grant before approving them,” Hirst said. “There has been no action taken to close the Health Department or cut its funding.”
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Reno County Administrator Randy Partington at 620-694-2530 or by email at randy.partington@renocountyks.gov.
County officials said Reno County remains committed to transparency and to supporting essential public health services in the community.