A significant portion of the meeting focused on the county’s role in supporting vaccination clinics, specifically those administered by Winona Health at school-based health centers. While the county contributes staff time, there is no direct funding provided for these clinics. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of promoting vaccination opportunities to uninsured or underinsured children and low-income adults. The need for a comprehensive public promotion strategy was emphasized, although questions about funding for promotional materials remained unresolved. A call for follow-up was made to better understand the county’s educational role in this politically sensitive landscape.

Another topic was the approval of a professional services agreement with Winona Health for Dr. Kelly Osterman to serve as a medical consultant. This change, prompted by the need for enhanced support in pediatric care and vaccination protocols, was approved by the board. The necessity of categorizing such agreements appropriately to avoid procedural confusion was also addressed.

Further discussions centered on a strategic plan update initiated in April 2025, focusing on the benefits of living and working in Winona County. The board acknowledged the need for reliable communication platforms, expressing skepticism about Facebook’s efficacy due to its cluttered nature, while recognizing its utility in emergencies. The strategic plan’s accessibility on the county’s website was prioritized to ensure public awareness without the need to navigate lengthy documents.

The board also deliberated over proposed health insurance plans, introducing options with higher deductibles to mitigate previous cost increases. While the new plans offer a 11% increase compared to a prior 29% hike, concerns were raised about the affordability and understanding of these plans. The importance of educating employees during the upcoming open enrollment period was highlighted, with discussions about deductibles and co-pays underscoring the complexities involved.

A point of contention was the introduction of a telehealth service, Cava, designed to offer consultations and minor prescriptions, potentially reducing in-person visits. Despite initial skepticism about the service’s value and the lack of data on cost savings, the board considered a trial period to assess its impact on healthcare accessibility and costs. The board expressed a strong desire for empirical data to support the service’s efficacy before making a long-term commitment.

The meeting also addressed concerns about a proposed nonvoluntary membership service for employees, with the county attorney questioning the lack of opt-out options. The proposal’s vague nature prompted calls for further information before any decision could be made. The importance of exploring local service options over non-local entities was emphasized.

Additionally, the board approved several routine agreements, including a service agreement with Timeout Behavior Coaching LLC and the renewal of a contract with the Minnesota Family Investment Program. A bid for a dump box and snowplow package was awarded to Universal Truck Equipment Incorporated, and Northrisk Partners was confirmed as the agent for Winona County Health Insurance. The meeting concluded with committee reports and the approval of previous board meeting minutes.