HHS seeks $75,000 extension for Lower Columbia School Gardens contract, aligns with state FPHS funding

Gina James, Health and Human Services, asked commissioners to amend a current one-year, $150,000 contract with Lower Columbia School Gardens by adding $75,000 and setting the expiration at June 30, 2026. James said the amendment aligns the contract with the county’s use of Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS) funds and that state-level funding uncertainty means the county may not be able to continue the same level of support past June 30, 2026.

"We are aligning with the state FPHS funding," James said, adding that the department will know more after the upcoming legislative session, and that staff had discussed the uncertainty with the contractor. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the FPHS acronym and James confirmed it refers to Foundational Public Health Services funding from the state.

The board did not record a formal roll-call vote in the transcript; James said staff would continue conversations and return as necessary depending on state funding outcomes.