The Southwest District Health annual budget development is a process of fiscal strategic planning that involves decisions and guidance from the Board of Health, input from the community, and close coordination between the executive team and numerous staff across all divisions and program areas. During the internal development of the budget document, all staff are encouraged to advance budgetary concerns and needs for their programs through their respective program manager and division administrator.

Community input is sought through our Board of Health meetings, which occur monthly and are open to the public. Starting in January each year, our staff present budget elements to the Board of Health members for guidance and decisions. Below is a list of elements the board acts on leading up to the final approved proposed budget.

1. 5-Year Facility and IT Infrastructure Plan
2. Changes in Fees
3. Change in Employee Compensation
4. Opioid Settlement Plan
5. Change in County Contributions
6. Proposed Budget

In the month of May, the public has additional opportunities to provide input as the Director and Financial Officer present the proposed budget to each board of county commissioners in the district (Adams, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington). The proposed budget is also printed in each local newspaper for all six counties.

The last step in the budget process is for the Budget Committee to hold the annual Budget Committee Meeting and Public Hearing to vote on the proposed budget.  The Budget Committee includes the chairs of the Boards of County Commissioners located within the public health district (Section 39-423, Idaho Code).  If the chair is unable to attend, another elected county commissioner from the same county may be appointed to represent the chair on the budget committee. The chair or designee of each county will cast one vote.  The majority vote shall be binding upon all counties within the district.