MUSCATINE, Iowa — In response to the unstable economic climate, the Iowa Prescription Drug Corp. and Iowa Collaborative Safety Net Provider Network are offering medications — cheap.

To help answer requests for social-assistance needs throughout the county, Community Services director Mike Johannsen told the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors Monday about the new medication voucher program.

Offered to low-income patients, the prescriptions will include medicine for diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, depression, pregnancy and prenatal medicine.

The program is meant for those whose income is under 200 percent of the poverty level, Johannsen said.  Patient costs for medication will be $3. An estimated $500,000 has been allotted for the program.

In addition to low-priced prescriptions, people who can’t afford a flu shot can get some help, too.

The Board of Health will provide flu shots at Unity Public Health, Johannsen said.

An estimated $3,000 has been allotted for the shots, which will be provided to low-income persons.

“It’s free until the money’s gone,” Johannsen said.

While needs have increased, the demands on case management have increased as well.

Case management coordinator for Community Services Kathie Anderson-Noel said the number of veterans being served by the county has increased, with 63 new vets already enrolled since July.

Case management helps people who have developmental disabilities and chronic disease find services, Anderson-Noel said.

Anderson-Noel said there will be a budget amendment proposed but do not expect drastic costs to the county.

Anderson-Noel said an increased demand for Community Services will result in a budget amendment being submitted to the county, but that it shouldn’t expect a “drastic” increase.

“We’re looking at 10 percent,” Anderson-Noel said. No specific costs are known at this time.

Johannsen said he realizes “budget issues will be a big issue this year.”

Referrals are also up, with seven referrals in order. Community Services is helping 66 children and 196 adults, Anderson-Noel said.

“This is reflected in our economic situation,” Johannsen said of the increased needs. “We have high need in our area.”

In other news:

— The Board tabled by a vote of 4-1 a request by Friends of the Old Barn, a group working to preserve and operate the Muscatine County Home Barn, for use of a county-owned building at the Old County Farm.

“We’re running out of room. We would open accessibility for other groups,” group president John Haskins said.

“I understand your need for a facility,” Supervisor Tom Furlong said. “I think I have concerns long-term about upkeep.”

Supervisor Kas Kelly supported the request.

“I think this group has proven itself,” she said. “I’m confident this group will do what they say they will do.”

— The board voted unanimously to reject all three bids from construction management companies.

The Board heard three proposals from local construction management teams on Oct. 5, and opened bids the following day. After speaking with the architectural team, The Durrant Group, the board said all bids exceeded the budget and might have included duplications or unnecessary services.

“We were impressed by all three but we need to avoid duplication of services,” Supervisor Dave Watkins said.

Furlong said costs need to remain under $100,000. In an effort to stabilize costs, the Board agreed to examine local individuals and businesses with experience in construction management.

“The bids were not out of line; we’ve just changed what we needed,” Supervisor Wayne Shoultz said.

The Durrant Group and the proposed construction team, Merit Construction in Cedar Rapids, will meet with the Board in the coming weeks to discuss construction management ideas.