An audit revealed that $6 million in extra funds from the health department ended up in Halifax County’s general fund. County Manager Dia Denton updated commissioners about this on Monday.
However, four board members—Jimmie Silver, Chenoa Davis, Sammy Webb, and Gary Redding—were hesitant to approve a plan from management. They preferred to pause and give the health department more time to create a detailed plan for using this money, while Chairman Vernon Bryant and Commissioner Thomas Barrett supported the management’s proposal.
In a memo, Denton reminded the board about a request from Health Director Cheyanna James made during a meeting on July 7, 2025. At that time, she asked to direct $2.5 million back to the health department. The recent audit confirmed that the total excess revenues are approximately $6 million. Denton noted that all departments agreed the best way to handle this excess was to gradually allocate it back to the health budget over the next few years.
For context, $3.1 million was already set aside from the general fund for the health department’s current budget. Starting in fiscal year 2026-2027, the plan is to use the excess revenue to reduce the general fund’s contribution, ensuring all funds support public health.
The health department previously indicated that a shift in their accounting methods exposed this surplus, revealing they had been profitable for seven years.
Before the motion to table passed, Silver expressed concern about the community’s health struggles. “We need to look out for our citizens and not play politics today,” he said. During public comments, James emphasized that this funding is a chance to improve healthcare in Halifax County, which is among the least healthy in the state.
She argued that this funding is vital for reevaluating past practices and addressing health challenges through new programs. Denton pointed out that inadequate communication and oversight had contributed to the situation. “Everything should go through a central location for decision-making,” she asserted.
Barrett believed the management’s proposal was a solid move to “clean the fiscal mess.” He suggested that this would allow the health department to return with proposals for improvements, contingent on further funding.
This situation is emblematic of broader trends in public health funding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many health departments across the U.S. struggle with budget constraints despite rising healthcare needs. As local governments navigate financial complexities, ensuring that funds are used effectively for community health remains crucial.
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