Public Health Staffing Allocation

The County of Sonoma Department of Health Services requests approval to add 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Public Health Investigator to the Department Allocation List, effective April 7, 2026. This addition aims to address increased operational demands and emerging public health needs, particularly within the Public Health Disease Control program.

The position will strengthen program oversight, improve coordination of essential public health services, and enhance the County's capacity to respond to communicable disease threats, such as tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections, and emerging diseases like Avian Influenza. The program has seen a rise in both the volume and complexity of cases, with annual cases increasing from a median of 12 (2020-2024) to 18 in 2025, and continued activity with Avian Influenza outbreaks.

The new Public Health Investigator will be funded through a combination of existing Disease Control grants, a newly awarded State Disease Intervention Specialist (DIS) Workforce Development Grant, and available unallocated ongoing Public Health 1991 Realignment funds. No new General Fund contribution or additional budget appropriations are requested. The position will replace temporary Extra Help staffing, resulting in a net cost of $6,654 for FY 2025-2026, with annualized costs projected at $185,268 for FY 2026-2027 and $190,077 for FY 2027-2028. This aligns with the County's Strategic Plan goal to expand the integrated system of care for vulnerable populations.