Marathon County Health & Human Services Committee Meeting - 8/5/26

The Marathon County Health & Human Services Committee met on August 5, 2026, to discuss several procurement and budget-related topics for the 2027 fiscal year. Key procurement discussions included proposed changes to the health department's fee schedule, particularly for body art licensing, where a new fee structure based on the number of practitioners was recommended to better recoup costs. The committee unanimously approved moving forward with these fee adjustments. Additionally, the committee reviewed new position requests and reclassifications within social services and the health department, approving them with no significant budget impact. A letter of support was also approved for the expansion of the community paramedicine program, which aims to improve rural healthcare coordination through a planning grant. Presentations included an overview of North Central Healthcare’s extensive mental health and long-term care services, highlighting a recent $83.8 million campus renovation funded entirely by the organization. The meeting also featured a report from United Way on food insecurity and housing challenges in Marathon County, emphasizing the need for targeted community investments. Finally, the committee discussed legislative advocacy efforts related to SNAP funding and volunteer driver insurance waivers, with motions passed to support these initiatives.