Board approves several budget modifications for WIC relocation, Rockwood Health upgrades, preschool nursing and domestic violence housing supports

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a package of budget modifications that county staff said will support service access and short‑term program needs across public health and homeless services.

Budget Modification R2: WIC relocation and cash transfer — Public Health Director Kirsten Aird described a cash transfer to the Department of Community Administration to support moving Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services into the Aviva location, which will colocate WIC with Preschool for All (PFA). Trista Zugel, budget director for the health department, said the move draws on $238,000 in beginning working capital and savings in communications and supplies to cover costs. "This move increases access — roughly 40% of our clients will be within 1–3 miles of the new site," Aird said. Commissioner Singleton moved and Commissioner Brent Edwards seconded; the board approved R2 by roll call.

Budget Modification R3: Rockwood Health Center infrastructure — Debbie Powers (interim COO, Health Centers) and Hassan Bader (interim CFO) requested appropriation of $497,000 in federal HRSA funds in FY26 to cover invoices tied to Rockwood Health Center construction and repairs. Presenters said pre‑construction began in January and the more extensive closure is scheduled April through October for work including a new lobby, roofing and ventilation upgrades. The board approved the modification on a roll call vote.

Budget Modification R4: Preschool for All nursing support — The board approved a $60,561 transfer to add 1.2 FTE community health nurse capacity within Preschool for All to expand home‑visiting and inclusion supports. Trista Zugel summarized the personnel and indirect cost details; commissioners asked about billing Medicaid or school‑based reimbursements as a longer‑term revenue strategy.

Budget Modification R5: HUD Continuum of Care award — Anna Plumb (interim director, Homeless Services) presented a midyear acceptance of $331,866 in federal Continuum of Care funding to deliver culturally specific housing placements and rent assistance for approximately 20 households of survivors of domestic violence. Plumb said federal timing and a recent government shutdown delayed the grant agreement process; the board approved the appropriation.

Each budget modification was called as a separate motion and approved by roll call. Staff said the WIC relocation and preschool nurse positions are intended to improve client access and program capacity in neighborhoods served by PFA and public health; Rockwood improvements are tied to a larger FY27 capital plan, and the HUD award will be annualized in next year’s budget. The board asked staff to report back on implementation timelines and options for third‑party billing where feasible.