2025-07-28 Update with PHSSUpdate with Public Health and Social Services (PHSS)
July 28, 2025
9:32 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Brummer (by phone), Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, County
Manager Ryan Barrett, Becky Butler, Meja Handlen, Caroline Garibay
Guest(s): Patty Howard, Jacob Moore, Darlene Purl, Kirsty Ward, Gin Pack
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Public comment: None.
Contracts, including the Consolidated Homeless Grant (CHG): Meja Handlen said she spoke with
Commerce and that Commerce indicated a portion could potentially be de-obligated at the biennium
but that the amount isn’t “ala cart” and would therefore need to be contracted at the full amount.
Commissioner Swope said Rep. Abbarno has indicated he and Sen. Braun will meet with Commerce to
discuss the contract. Commissioner Swope said he would like to delay a vote on the CHG contract until
that conversation takes place.
Meja said Commerce has indicated it would contract with service providers directly should the county
decline the funding. Meja said that move would remove the county’s oversight of the funding.
Meja expressed frustration with delays regarding Social Security / disability applications, noting that
those delays are what often lead to the need for the CHG services.
Commissioner Brummer said he would like to move forward with the CHG contract to allow the county
to continue providing allocation oversight. Commissioner Pollock said she agrees, noting that the CHG
provides reimbursement-only funding.
Commissioner Brummer and Commissioner Pollock directed staff to add the CHG contract to the July 30
Directors’ Update for consideration during the Aug. 5 Business Meeting.
Executive Order: The commissioners discussed President Trump’s recent Executive Order.
Commissioner Pollock noted that the area already struggles to find space for current patients and that
the order would increase the need for bed space. Commissioner Pollock also expressed concerns about
the costs associated with the spread of Hepatitis C among the homeless community. Meja said PHSS will
reach out to providers to see how the executive order would affect services.
Meeting adjourned at 9:51 a.m.