Johnson County commissioners on Oct. 9 voted 7‑0 to authorize reallocation and expenditure of up to $121,000 from the 2025 health and environment fund balance reserves to cover WIC personnel expenses for up to 30 days if federal administrative funding is interrupted.

Charlie Hunt, director of the Department of Health and Environment, told the board that the WIC program in Johnson County is 100% federally funded for administration and serves approximately 4,400 to 4,500 women, infants and children. "The federal government shutdown has had immediate impact on this program," Hunt said, and noted that the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) had told the county the program's administrative funding would last only through about noon the day of the meeting unless alternate funding arrived. He said KDHE later requested a needs assessment and budget to extend benefits through October using state actions being coordinated with federal steps.

Hunt explained there are three funding 'pots' for WIC: administrative dollars the county receives to pay staff and operate clinics, breastfeeding peer counseling and other program administration; and the food benefits, which the state pays directly to vendors. "Most of the funding is for the administration side of it...all that funding that we get goes to pay the salaries and benefits and other of the staff," he said. The county's action covers personnel costs so the department can continue core operations while the state and federal funding picture evolves.

Board members emphasized the program's importance. Chair Mike Kelly described WIC as "one of the most important programs that our country...provides" and said the county must step in to ensure continuity for vulnerable residents during federal disruptions. Commissioners asked for details; Hunt said the county's WIC staff totals 18 employees (about 14.995 FTE) and that the state estimated benefits funding would remain available through October. He added that county staff are preparing contingency options, including referrals to food pantries and potential future requests for additional local funds if the shutdown extends.

The motion to reallocate up to $121,000 was moved by Commissioner Allenbrand, seconded by Commissioner Myers, and passed by roll call (seven ayes). County staff said they will seek state and federal updates and return to the board as necessary if longer support is required.