Iowa health services contract approved as disability access points prepare for major transition

Pottawattamie County's Board of Supervisors convened on March 18, 2025, to discuss significant changes in the management of disability services and infrastructure projects, highlighting a shift towards streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery.

A key focus of the meeting was the approval of a new contract with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, aimed at establishing disability access points across the county. The initiative will allow service coordinators to operate from multiple locations, enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities. "We will just be asking them for free office space basically," one official noted, emphasizing the importance of publicizing these services to reach those in need.

The financial implications of this transition were also discussed, with a budget of approximately $3 million allocated for the upcoming year. This budget will primarily cover payroll, with a significant reduction in administrative costs compared to previous years. "It's not gonna be anything like what we do now," an official stated, indicating a shift from extensive administrative contracting to a more focused service coordination model.

In addition to disability services, the Board addressed staffing challenges within the secondary roads department. The proposal to create an Assistant Project Manager position aims to improve bridge inspection capabilities and retain skilled workers in a competitive job market. "We haven't been successful in filling our bridge foreman," the engineer explained, highlighting the need for this new role to ensure effective management of bridge projects.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the disability access point contract, signaling a commitment to improving service delivery for vulnerable populations in Pottawattamie County. As the county prepares for these changes, officials acknowledged the workload ahead but expressed confidence in their ability to adapt and enhance community services.