SPOKANE, Wash. – Oct 27, 2011 – At Spokane Regional Health District’s (SRHD) Board of Health meeting today, the board was unable to reach a decision in passing the health district’s 2012 proposed budget. The board will hold an additional board meeting at a to-be-determined date and time, before its next regularly-scheduled board meeting on Dec. 1, 2011, to allow for additional time in considering the budget.

Challenged by decreased funding and increased costs, SRHD is proposing a reduction in services and staff to make up for a $2 million budgetary shortfall.

Suggested cuts include components of SRHD’s Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)  program and elimination of the SRHD Water Laboratory. Staff from these programs are part of a proposed 8 percent decrease in full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.

As soon as a date and time are determined for the board to reconvene, media and community members will be notified. For additional information on the 2012 budget, please read the 2012 Budget Quick Facts and FAQs. Or visit the SRHD website at www.srhd.org. Despite funding woes, the site also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community.