Melissa Turner

The Oswego County Health Department's 2026-2029 Strategic Plan serves as a framework to guide efforts towards fostering a healthy, thriving community by promoting wellness, preventing disease, and protecting all residents. The plan identifies three core priorities: Workforce Recruitment, Retention & Development; Plan & Prepare for Emerging Risks; and Expand Programs & Community Partnerships. These focus areas are designed to align with organizational goals, address evolving public health needs, and enhance the department's ability to make informed decisions, effectively allocate resources, and continuously improve its impact.

The board meeting included a report from the Fire Coordinator. Old business focused on progress regarding bylaws, resolutions, and the resubmission of special teams' insurance. New business featured guest speakers from the Onondaga Fire Advisory Board.

The committee passed several resolutions including the authorization of a contract for preschool special education software, the acceptance of funding from the University of Washington for a climate health and risk tool study, and the appointment of a member to the Board of Health. Additionally, the committee reviewed and approved the Professional Advisory Committee minutes, received a report from the Director, and reviewed health department financial reports.

The committee authorized a budget modification to transfer insurance recovery funds to the Healthy Families Program and approved an increase to Capital Project #134. Additionally, the committee reviewed the Director's report and department financial reports.

The committee passed resolutions for the award of a professional services contract for consumer directed in-home services and multiple budget modifications, including funding for senior nutrition education, a transportation initiative program, and an extension of a contract with Farnham, Inc. Additionally, the committee approved the transfer of funds for insurance recovery and accepted a grant for hosting the Centennial Oswego Participatory Budgeting Project. The meeting also included departmental updates from the Youth Bureau, Veterans Services, Office for the Aging, and the Department of Social Services, as well as a discussion regarding a salary request for an administrative assistant position.