HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES BOARD
2009 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Administrative Center - Auditorium
5:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharon Hampson, Jill Billings, Bill Brockmiller, Loren Kannenberg, Dr. James Glasser, David Trapp, and Tammy Gamroth (arr 5:34)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Margaret Wood
MEMBERS ABSENT: Robert Erickson
STAFF & GUESTS PRESENT: Jerry Huber, Doug Mormann, Mary Ellen Prinsen, Sara Koopman, Steve O’Malley, Judge Gonzalez, Dan Kaminski, Carol Shilling, Fran Hagenbarth, Sue Conard, Ann Sheldon, Ann Quinlisk (DVIP), Catherine Kolkmeier (La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium), Ann Kappauf & Liz Beard (New Horizons), Vicki Truscott (W-2 Steering Committee), Kirby Lentz (Chileda), Pam Bendel (Independent Living Resources), Christina Knudsen (Boys & Girls Club), Heather Schmid (Coulee Region Humane Society), Dr. Justine Odulana, Lorie Craig, Cheryl Stephen
WELCOME
Sharon Hampson, Chairperson of the Health & Human Services Board, called the public hearing to order at 5:31 p.m. Attendance sign-up forms and speaker sign-up forms were located at the room entrance and speakers will be given 3-4 minutes.
HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET OVERVIEW
Jerry Huber gave a short PowerPoint presentation, including a handout. In addition he noted the public participation requirement per State Statutes s. 46.031(2) & (3). Invites included members of the various advisory committees, Judges, Family Court Commissioner, union representatives, superintendents of schools, and department managers/supervisors. In addition to names and affiliations on the signup forms, email addresses are requested in order for staff to share continuous feedback, including summary of the forum and final outline of the budget in November. The budget process actually started in May; HHS Board review will occur prior to November 10th County budget hearing, with County Board review and approval on November 12th.
Human Services mission statement: “We are dedicated to working with individuals and families within La Crosse County in order to enhance their self-sufficiency and quality of life. We will offer protection, prevention, intervention, treatment, education and support, within our local, state, and federal guidelines, and with respect for the dignity of each person served.” Budget information included revenue/funding sources and expenditures by section.
HEALTH DEPT. BUDGET OVERVIEW
Doug Mormann gave a short PowerPoint presentation, including a handout.
Health Dept. mission statement: “To improve the quality of life and health of all people in La Crosse County.” Budget information included revenue/funding sources and expenditures by divisions.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Catherine Kolkmeier (La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium) – there are five partners of the consortium which is funded by grants. One of the projects is to study injuries as a result of alcohol use for ages 12-24; as a result, developed a 5-year strategic plan. It’s considered a public health issue vs. a behavioral issue. The consortium has contracted with the Health Dept. for 16/hrs. per week for a Health Educator/Project Manager; the consortium would like to continue for another year at a cost of $33,500, though need funding assistance to do this. It’s a very timely project and battling a very important public health issue within the community. The consortium will be applying for various grants.
Heather Schmid (Coulee Regional Humane Society) – Their costs are increasing by 9%, due mostly for fuel, and these have not been passed on to the County since 2007. The Humane Society is seeing greater responsibility for cats; only 3 municipalities license cats under the county contract, those being Campbell, Shelby and Rockland with none of the fees being turned over to the County; these cat license fees range from $5-9 per cat per year. In 2007 per the County contract, the Humane Society dealt with 464 strayed cats as compared to 221 strayed dogs; 64% of the dogs were reclaimed by their owners as compared to 4% of the cats were reclaimed. She encouraged licensing of cats by all municipalities as well as increasing dog license fees by $1. The Cities of La Crosse and Onalaska contract separately with the Humane Society.
Dan Kaminski (Home Health Nurse) – He encouraged continuation of Home Health services. At a tax levy of $185,000 for the care of 50 patients, that’s around $3,700 per person/per year. The goal is to keep these people in their homes at a lesser cost as compared to nursing home costs.
Lorie Craig (daughter receives Home Health Care) – She expressed her appreciation for the Health Dept. in providing home health care to her daughter who is confined to a wheelchair. She encouraged continuation of the Home Health program.
Letter from Janet Kusch, Director of Options in Reproductive Care (out of town and could not attend the hearing) Options has a contract with the County for STD (sexually transmitted diseases); in 2007, 352 clients met the criteria for which Options was reimbursed by the County at $71.87 per client or $25,298.24 for the year. For 2009, Options is requesting a 4% increase, as needed to cover increases in costs.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no additional comments from the public, Board Chair Hampson declared the budget public hearing adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder