(NorthwestIowaNOw.com) – The Clay County Board of Supervisors heard from Public Health leaders Angel Smith and Brenda Tiefenthaler during their annual update on December 9th and presented a funding request that includes a roughly 26% increase in county contributions. That amounts to an additional 53,000 dollars over last year.

However, the Board of Supervisors pushed back, citing tight state budgets. Board Supervisor Allen Batschelett warned that bridging the gap between two percent revenue growth expected at the state level and a 26 percent funding hike will force hard choices about prioritization.

Tiefenthaler defended the request by highlighting a strategic shift toward preventative care—focusing on wellness, pre-diabetes, and cancer support rather than just reacting to crises.

To bridge the communication gap, both sides agreed to move from annual updates to meeting every six months to keep the board better informed.