The Washington County Public Health department had an ending fund balance of $163,908.48 for fiscal year 2015 and is requesting the Board of Supervisors dedicate the money for the new building project. Public health administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski explained they are requesting this to help lower the bond request with a larger down payment and will make the cash match higher and more competitive for grant requests.

The department provided 3,500 immunizations last year and annually has 900 dental services participants, 2,700 skilled nursing visits, 6,500 home health aide visits and 800 to 1,000 parent and child services participants in Washington County. Currently Public Health serves the community through rented space in the upper levels of the Federation Bank building.

Supervisor chairman and member of the board of health Jack Seward said the funds are in the general fund and departments have authority to spend a certain amount. He explained the board will consider it at this time and as they review the budget, but they did not take any action.

The bond vote will be held with the general election in November. The estimated total cost of the project is $2.8 million and the proposed site is on Lexington Boulevard near HACAP and the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center.