HHS Board Meeting

HHS Board Meeting Recap: Supporting Storm Recovery and Enhancing Board Preparedness

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Board convened on December 19, 2025, for their regularly scheduled meeting. The board's focus centered primarily on extending crucial support to residents still recovering from the impacts of Tropical Storm Helene (Lean), alongside an initiative to enhance board preparedness. Attendance included all HHS Board members and relevant staff, with no public comments received during the meeting itself.

The most significant decision of the meeting was a unanimous vote to extend a fee waiver for on-site wastewater permits related to properties damaged by Tropical Storm Helene. Originally approved in 2024, the waiver is set to expire at the end of December 2025. Recognizing ongoing recovery needs, the Board voted to extend this waiver through June 30, 2026. This extension will provide continued financial relief to residents struggling with the costs associated with repairing and permitting wastewater systems on properties affected by the storm. The resolution will now be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for their consideration in January 2026. Dr. David Sway presented the resolution, highlighting that the number of properties requiring waivers has remained relatively low, which informed the Board’s decision.

Discussion during the meeting revolved around the financial implications of extending the fee waiver and potential future needs for storm recovery assistance. One board member questioned the impact on the HHS department budget, prompting a request for data from HHS staff regarding the number of properties impacted and the total fees waived to date. Another board member expressed concerns about whether a six-month extension would be sufficient, raising the possibility of further extensions down the line. These discussions underscored a commitment to supporting residents while also carefully considering departmental resources and long-term planning.

Beyond the storm recovery discussion, the Board announced a plan to provide Narcan training for all board members following adjournment. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to ensuring the Board is prepared to respond effectively to potential public health emergencies. HHS staff will schedule and conduct this training, further equipping the Board with essential knowledge and skills.

Looking ahead, HHS staff will compile data on properties affected by Tropical Storm Helene and the associated fee waivers to address questions raised during the meeting. The approved resolution will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for their review and vote in January 2026. Residents can expect further updates on this matter as the process progresses through the County Commissioners. Overall, the meeting demonstrated a commitment to supporting residents impacted by Tropical Storm Helene and enhancing the Board's capacity to address future challenges.