HomeMy WebLinkAboutShared Epi ILA Staff Report (2)
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Public Health Office “Study Session Staff Report”, 12/23/2024
KITTITAS COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STAFF REPORT FOR
AGENDA SESSION
Public Health Office
AGENDA DATE: 04.21.2026
TOPIC: Interlocal Agreement – Shared Epidemiology Services with Grant County
Health District
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval of Interlocal Agreement Between Kittitas
County and Grant County Health District for Shared
Epidemiology Services and Approval of Resolution
LEAD STAFF: Erin Moore
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Interlocal Agreement between Kittitas County Public Health
Department (KCPHD) and Grant County Health District (GCHD) to implement and formalize a
shared epidemiologist position funded through Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS).
Approval will allow both jurisdictions to efficiently utilize state funding to strengthen regional
epidemiology capacity, enhance data-driven decision-making, and support coordinated public
health responses.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Establishes a shared epidemiologist position funded through FPHS, with a 60%
allocation to GCHD and 40% to KCPHD.
• KCPHD will serve as the employer of record, managing payroll, HR, and
administrative supervision.
• Both jurisdictions will jointly determine priorities, workload balance, and
performance evaluation.
• Enhances regional capacity for surveillance, data analysis, outbreak response, and
public health planning.
• Includes structured coordination through weekly check-ins, monthly leadership
meetings, and shared reporting.
• Provides a scalable model for cross-jurisdictional collaboration and efficient use
of limited workforce resources.
BACKGROUND:
The Washington State Legislature, through the Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS)
initiative, has prioritized building core public health capacity across local jurisdictions. As part of
this effort, KCPHD received FPHS funding specifically designated to support epidemiology
capacity.
Due to workforce shortages and the specialized nature of epidemiology, smaller jurisdictions
often face challenges recruiting and sustaining full-time epidemiology staff. To address this,
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Public Health Office “Study Session Staff Report”, 12/23/2024
KCPHD and GCHD have collaboratively developed an Interlocal Agreement under RCW 39.34
to share a qualified epidemiologist.
This agreement reflects a regional approach to public health service delivery, allowing both
counties to benefit from shared expertise while maximizing the impact of available funding.
DISCUSSION:
NA
FISCAL IMPACTS:
The shared epidemiologist position is primarily funded through FPHS allocations
managed by KCPHD.
• No new local funding is required to initiate the agreement
• Any costs exceeding FPHS funding (e.g., travel, training, equipment) will be
shared equally between KCPHD and GCHD as mutually agreed
• This approach maximizes existing state funding while minimizing local financial
burden
• The agreement does not create a joint budget; each party maintains its own
financial processes
ATTACHMENTS:
Interlocal Agreement – Shared Epidemiology Services
Resolution- Shared Epidemiology Services
Legal consultation? Yes: Legal Request # 12160 &12312
Finance consulted? Yes