This is false. In 2023, the Board of Commissioners approved the second highest budget for the Health Department in the county's history, at $14.3M. The Board of Commissioners did reject some Covid grants because the emergency was over, and the grants were not needed.
The Health Department was not accustomed to Board oversight and input during the budget process— which is the statutory responsibility of the Board.
The Health Department brought assumptive and false conclusions to the media during the budget process, creating a media frenzy and public panic.
The Board of Commissioners provided adequate funding for whatever programs are a priority for the Health Department.