Health department requests approval of sole-source dietitian agreement for WIC; contract to return to agenda

Lynette Reddington, Harvey County health department director, told commissioners that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program requires access to a registered dietitian and that Harvey County has contracted with Reno County dietitian services in prior years.

“We have over the years had difficulties replacing outreach… 2023, we made the initial agreement,” Reddington said, explaining the department's need for a sole-source agreement for federal fiscal year 2026 because the value now exceeds the county’s purchasing threshold.

Commissioners asked to see the agreement text before approving it. Reddington said the contract used previously had been approved by county counsel and Reno County counsel and offered to provide the document; she said staff will return with the contract, and that the WIC application will be before the commission on July 1.

Action: No contract was approved on June 17; staff will add the sole-source agreement to a future agenda with the contract text for review and possible approval.

Discussion points: requirement that WIC have a registered dietitian, use of Reno County dietitian services on a shared basis, and the need to present the contract text for commissioner review. Direction/decision: Reddington will provide the contract and bring the item back for approval; the WIC application is scheduled for the July 1 meeting.