Chickasaw County Public Health Assessing Adjustments with Pending Budget Cuts

In an effort to balance their books for the 2025-26 fiscal year starting July 1st, the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors has directed the County’s Public Heath department to cut about $350,000 from its budget.

This week, Public Health Administrator Lisa Welter gave a report to Supervisors on how the cuts will impact their staff.

Welter also noted that the cuts will affect their “after hours” operations.

The biggest impact on the department will be on home care services.

While Public Health’s Homecare Service does bring in revenue, Supervisors have noted the gap between that revenue and the cost of providing the service has widened to almost $400,000 this fiscal year, with that gap having to be paid with tax dollars. Supervisor Jacob Hackman has noted that the service is not required by the state and has been discussed for possible elimination by the County for several years.

Chickasaw County EMS Director Joel Knutson asked if duty-sharing between departments could help avoid similar cuts in the future.

Supervisors also called for staff reductions of at least one position in the County auditor, sheriff and treasurer departments for FY25-26.