Whereas the Health Commission is committed to a public process around budget proposals, particularly those that result in program changes and policy shifts; and
Whereas, the Health Commission is the governing and policy-making body for the Department of Public Health; and
Whereas, in this capacity the Health Commission is responsible for reviewing and approving the Department of Public Health’s annual budget as well as budget modifications throughout the year; and
Whereas, budget proposals that result in policy changes, as well as program closures, reductions or modifications, must be fully analyzed for their impact on the Department of Public Health’s mission, its Strategic Plan, the safety net and the vulnerable populations the Health Department serves; and
Whereas, the Health Commission has established Joint Conference Committees to provide a forum for more extensive, deliberative and interactive communication between Health Commissioners, Department of Public Health staff and the public around issues that will subsequently be calendared before the Health Commission; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, that it is the Health Commission’s policy that budget proposals that result in policy changes or program closures, reductions or modifications should be discussed at a Joint Conference Committee prior to being presented to the Health Commission; and be it
Further Resolved, that the Health Commission charges the Budget Committee to return with a protocol for how this policy will be implemented.
I hereby certify that the Health Commission at its meeting of May 2, 2006, adopted the foregoing resolution.
Michele M. Seaton, Secretary to the Health Commission