The Sawyer County Health and Human Services meeting on April 13, 2025, focused on the fiscal performance of the department, highlighting budget reports and the impact of federal funding changes.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the standard budget performance report and noted that it is still early in the fiscal year, resulting in limited data. A significant discussion point was the adjustments made to the purchase services recap, where officials clarified that some apparent overspending was due to unbudgeted funding received from grants.

One notable concern raised was the reduction of federal dollars, particularly affecting a COVID-related grant that had approximately $11,000 remaining. This funding was pulled back, and officials expressed uncertainty about future impacts, especially as Wisconsin is involved in a lawsuit regarding federal funding.

Additionally, the department is awaiting the signing of a contract that could further clarify the financial situation. Officials indicated that while the loss of some funding is regrettable, it has not significantly impacted staff time or operations at this point.

Another area of concern discussed was the youth aids budget, particularly regarding security placements. Officials reported that approximately 33% of the budget has already been utilized within the first two months, raising concerns about the sustainability of funding as the year progresses.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to monitor the financial situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.