Primary Department: Public Health Services
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Leah Barton ─ Executive Director
Secondary Department: N/A
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Interlocal Agreement
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Galveston County/Galveston County Mosquito Control District
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request for approval of an interlocal agreement with Galveston County for laboratory diagnostic vector-borne disease (VBD) testing.
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Background and Discussion:
This Agreement establishes a regional partnership for specialized vector-borne disease (VBD) diagnostic testing between Harris County Public Health-Mosquito and Vector Control Division (MVCD) and Galveston County Mosquito Control (MC). Under the Agreement, the MVCD Microbiology Laboratory will receive, and test submitted samples and report results within five business days of receipt. Galveston County Mosquito Control (MC) will be responsible for sample collection, submission, and applicable testing fees. Galveston County requires access to specialized laboratory testing to support its VBD surveillance and response activities. Historically, Galveston County Mosquito Control (MC) has utilized state and academic laboratories for diagnostic testing; however, funding reductions have limited the availability of these services, particularly for avian surveillance samples, while access to mosquito testing has also become more limited. Without an alternative testing resource, Galveston MC would have reduced capacity to identify circulating pathogens and inform mosquito control and public health response activities. Delays in diagnostic testing could impede timely disease detection and implementation of appropriate interventions during periods of increased transmission risk. Developing independent laboratory testing capacity would require substantial investment in specialized equipment, laboratory infrastructure, trained personnel, quality assurance systems, and ongoing operational support. Establishing and validating such capacity could take several years and would potentially duplicate existing regional resources. Under the proposed Agreement, Harris County Public Health-Mosquito and Vector Control will leverage its existing laboratory infrastructure, technical expertise, and established testing capacity to provide diagnostic services for designated vector-borne pathogens. The arrangement will provide Galveston County Mosquito Control (MC) with timely access to specialized testing without the significant cost and time associated with developing a separate laboratory program. The Agreement also advances a regional approach to VBD preparedness by strengthening surveillance capabilities across county boundaries and maximizing existing public health resources. Fee-based testing will generate revenue for Mosquito and Vector Control and support utilization of the special revenue fund established in FY26 to sustain and expand laboratory diagnostic services.
Expected Impact:
Implementation of this Agreement will strengthen regional readiness by expanding access to timely vector-borne disease (VBD) diagnostic testing to support targeted vector control and public health interventions. The partnership will enhance the region’s ability to detect endemic, emerging, and reemerging disease threats and facilitate timely response efforts. The need for enhanced regional testing capacity is particularly important given the level of tourism, ports of entry, travel, and commercial activity connecting Harris and Galveston Counties. These factors increase the importance of coordinated surveillance and preparedness efforts across jurisdictional boundaries. Collectively, the partnership will strengthen regional disease surveillance, preparedness, and response capabilities while supporting efforts to reduce the risk of VBD transmission. By leveraging Harris County Public Health-Mosquito and Vector Control's existing laboratory infrastructure, technical expertise, and established testing capabilities, the Agreement will provide a sustainable, fee-based testing model for participating partner agencies. This regional approach will expand access to specialized laboratory services while avoiding the significant costs and resources required for each participating agency to establish and maintain independent testing capacity. Testing fees will support the Mosquito and Vector Control special revenue fund and contribute to the continued operation and sustainability of laboratory diagnostic services. Although the Agreement is not intended to generate a profit, increased participation by partner agencies may generate additional revenue that can be reinvested in laboratory capacity, technology, quality assurance, and regional preparedness initiatives. Overall, the Agreement will provide a sustainable mechanism to expand regional laboratory capacity, improve timely detection of VBD threats, support evidence-based vector control activities, and strengthen public health preparedness across participating jurisdictions.
Alternative Options:
Without this Agreement, Galveston County Mosquito Control (MC) would have limited access to timely laboratory capacity for testing vector-borne disease (VBD) surveillance samples. This limitation could reduce the County’s ability to identify circulating pathogens and support timely implementation of appropriate vector control and public health response measures. An alternative would be for Galveston County Mosquito Control (MC) to establish and maintain its own laboratory testing capacity. This option would require significant investment in laboratory facilities, specialized equipment, staffing, training, quality assurance, and ongoing operational support. Development and validation of such capacity could take several years and would require substantial resources. The proposed Agreement provides an immediately available regional testing solution that leverages existing laboratory infrastructure and expertise. It also provides a fee-based model that supports the continued operation of laboratory services and allows Harris County Public Health-Mosquito and Vector Control Division to utilize the special revenue fund to sustain and enhance regional diagnostic capacity.
County Strategic Plan Goal: 4. Improve physical and mental health outcomes across all communities.
County Strategic Plan Objective: O: Increase access to quality health care, including preventive and behavioral health.
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Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan: Supports enhancing the financial sustainability of Harris County Public Health-Mosquito and Vector Control which can improve the physical health of residents by reducing the risk of encountering vector-borne disease in our region.
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Anticipated Court Date: October 29, 2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): October 29, 2026
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Dr. Courtney Standlee, Director of Mosquito and Vector Control, Public Health Services
Attachments (if applicable): Interlocal Agreement - Galveston County