More than half a billion dollars in rural health funding for New Hampshire was sidelined Wednesday at the State House.The Executive Council said it wants more oversight of how new federal funds will be spent in underserved areas of the Granite State. “Tabling this is not in opposition to this program and to the governor’s plan,” said Councilor John Stephen.The Executive Council voted unanimously to hold up $640 million in contracts for Gov. Kelly Ayotte’s GO-NORTH rural health initiative, citing concerns that their watchdog role in government spending was being bypassed.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go <<“I cannot in good conscience approve the contracts as presented,” said Councilor Karen Liot Hill. “The people elected me and the other executive councilors to exercise oversight of state government. Giving out $700 million in sole-source contracts does not pass the smell test.”The governor agreed to give the council more time to dig into the details.”One of my concerns as I was reviewing the budget – and this is where I would appreciate just a bit more time – is seeing $20.4 million for consultants within that budget,” said Councilor Janet Stevens. “I would love to know more.”The federal funding aims to cover some of the losses from cuts to Medicaid while giving states the ability to innovate in hopes of better serving rural populations.A special meeting of the council is being called on March 16 to vote on the contracts.”I’m confident that if we can keep working together, we can find common ground and not lose much more time,” said Donnalee Lozeau, director of GO-NORTH.Even though the money is slated specifically for areas of the state that struggle with health care access, the governor said the delay is not a problem yet.”We’re going to work very diligently to make sure that money gets out there, that we achieve the outcomes we need for better patient care in New Hampshire,” Ayotte said.