Though the majority of the board voted in favor of the reallocation of excess and unrestricted funds, Commissioner Doug Zylstra expressed concern. While a transfer of funds policy is being drafted, it's incomplete.
“So I’d rather just wait until we have that policy, let it be self-executing, and go from there.”
Vice-Chairperson Sylvia Rhodea explained that the board can create policy simultaneously moving the nearly $2.5 million excess amount from the Health Department and Child Care Fund into the General Fund.
“This is about bringing transparency and not confusion to the public and we’re very capable of doing two things at one time. We can both work on transferring those funds and work on a policy.”
According to Fiscal Services Director Karen Karasinski, the excess amounts initially came from the General Fund and its reserves to begin with. The Health Department would still have access to those funds.
Chairperson Joe Moss says, if necessary, that would happen.
“So if there are any emergencies, the county is ready to respond, and does so whenever is necessary.”
The county is required to fund the Health Department at no less than $2.3 million annually, and last year funded it $6.6 million.
