Health district board approves $1.9 million budget

Directors of the Fallbrook Regional Health District unanimously approved its 2021-2022 budget at its meeting on Wednesday, June 9.

Board member Jennifer Jeffries, treasurer, presented the report on the $1.9 million budget. The budget is $109,690 more than projected income, but Jeffries said it wasn’t a cause for concern. “I’m not startled and won’t lose any sleep over this,” she said.

The current 2020-2021 budget is $2.1 million. Board Chairman Howard Salmon said the lower amount for next year is based on the COVID 19 related expenses this year, specifically for office expenses, independent contract services, and district promotions and publications.

The next regular meeting of the directors will be on July 14 and may be a hybrid meeting with both online and live, said Rachel Mason, district CEO.

There will be a special meeting on Friday, June 25, 10 a.m., to review suggestions by the consulting firm, Catalyst, about program priorities for the Wellness Center. The meeting will be held online and the public is invited.

Board members Stephanie Ortiz and Kate Schwartz-Frates are on the steering committee that has met with Catalyst. Schwartz-Frates told the board at the June 9 meeting that they will again examine programs on June 25, including financial aspects, with the purpose of establishing priorities for the center. Programs included are health, mental health, fitness, diabetic programs and more.

Mason reported to the board that the architectural firm did a walkthrough of the Wellness Center to get an idea for future building improvements.

Mason also reported COVID 19 vaccine figures for the area are trending better than reported at the first of the month.

Jeffrey Scott, legal counsel, shared information regarding the Brown Act and the importance of meeting transparency. He said an article in San Diego Union-Tribune questioned San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria having private meetings discussing a proposed new contract with SDG&E. The point was that transparency is required by all elected districts and agencies, and that discussion should only be done in open board meetings, not in private. That includes committee meetings, he said.

The board voted 5-0 to recommend Jeff Egan, a director on the NC Fire District Board, to be the alternate member of the Local Agency Formation Commissions.

Salmon also asked that at a future meeting to examine the joint powers agreement with North County Fire District. He said he didn’t have concerns but better understanding.

Salmon also asked that the board review the joint powers agreement with North County Fire District in a future meeting. He said he didn’t have concerns but wanted a better understanding of the agreement.