SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, authorizing the City Manager to ratify and enter into a continuation contract from the Department of State Health Services for the Texas Epidemiology Capacity Expansion Grant under the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU/SUR), in the amount of $82,500.00 per grant year for a total amount of $165,000.00 with no match for the City of Laredo Public Health Department for the term period from September 01, 2025 through August 31, 2027. Funds will be accounted for in the Laredo Public Health Department Fund – Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU/SUR) Project Grant.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating:
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
- Goal 7.2: Prevent and control the spread of communicable diseases in the community.
- Policy 7.2.1: Strengthen local epidemiology, surveillance, and laboratory capacity to detect, monitor, and respond to infectious diseases.
- Policy 7.2.5: Support preparedness and response activities to address emerging and re-emerging health threats.
- Goal 7.5: Strengthen public health systems and partnerships.
- Policy 7.5.3: Enhance collaboration and workforce training to improve rapid response capabilities.
Summary of alignment: This resolution aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by strengthening the City’s capacity to detect, monitor, and control communicable diseases, including new and emerging threats. Through real-time surveillance, outbreak investigations, and laboratory testing, the EAIDU/SUR program directly supports the City’s goals of preventing disease spread and protecting community health. By investing in preparedness, training, and partnerships, the resolution reinforces the resilience of the local public health system, ensuring timely detection, effective response, and long-term protection of residents.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On August 07, 2023, Council approved Resolution 2023-R-147.
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo Health Department is continuing its contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services for the continuation of the Texas Epidemiology Capacity Expansion Grant under the Emerging and Acute Infectious Disease Unit (EAIDU/SUR) Project Grant. Through this program, the Laredo Public Health Department will maintain and strengthen its capacity to perform surveillance and epidemiology activities for all notifiable and infectious conditions, including emerging and newly identified diseases. The program supports assigning existing staff to conduct infectious disease preparedness, outbreak investigations, and response activities. It also enhances the Department’s ability to provide real-time surveillance, disease tracking, case investigations, prevention interventions, laboratory testing, and workforce training. These actions are essential to ensure timely detection, containment of threats, and effective outbreak control for highly infectious, emerging, and re-emerging communicable diseases.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends that Council approve the Resolution.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: EAIDU/SUR
Account #: 226-6033
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The revenue account 226-0000-323-4017 and the expenditure division is 226-6033 with Project Number HEES09 and HEES10.