Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors Watch

MODESTO -- Stanislaus County supervisors seemed encouraged Tuesday by an annual Public Health Report that shows slight declines in obesity and diabetes rates after several years of worrisome trends. "I think we are making a difference," Dr. John Walker, the county's public health officer, told supervisors. He gave credit to community groups, including schools, that are pushing healthful eating and exercise. In other unanimous voting, supervisors agreed to:

• Apply for a $775,000 federal pilot grant to help parents without primary custody pay child support. A report says unemployment benefits are withheld from nearly 2,400 such parents in the county to meet child support obligations. The grant would help with training and job searches and could be used to leverage other federal money for a total of $2.32 million over five years.

• A labor agreement with AFSCME Local 10, a union representing 1,989 workers, or 53 percent of the county work force. The deal is similar to those reached with nine other units, including permanent 6 percent pay cuts. Members of the last two unions are expected to vote soon on the same terms, which include six furlough days. For the past two years, county employees' pay was reduced 5 percent and they received 13 days off without pay. The wage reductions will save the county more than $13 million per year, a report says.

• Refinance 1998 bond debt for construction of county administration offices at Tenth Street Place in downtown Modesto. Of $22.2 million initially acquired, the county owes $10.4 million and makes yearly payments of about $1.6 million. A financial adviser says a private refinancing could reduce that amount by up to $60,000 per year without extending the 2018 maturity date. The adviser and bond lawyers will be paid one-time fees of up to $104,500. Officials want to pursue a similar deal for additional bonds sold in 2004 for downtown Modesto's 12th Street offices and parking garage and Salida library renovation.

• Lease space from the Center for Human Services for a mental health clinician to treat people in Oakdale. The county would pay $720 per month to join the Family Resource Center established 16 months ago at 631 W. F St.