Board of Health members have been tasked with deciding which services are most important and need to be compensated, but a change in the organization's rent agreement may make funding more difficult.
During a meeting Thursday, Health Commissioner Marjorie Broadhead updated members on a request from Seneca County commissioners to charge $20,000 in rent yearly to the health district. The request, made in late December, has been put on hold until next year, but meetings with commissioners to discuss the agreement and payment are to begin next week.
Broadhead said while the health district's relationship with the county has been positive, she does not agree with this decision.
Other offices not supported by the county pay rent, she said, including Seneca Regional Planning, which began rent payments this year. Charging rent to county health districts is common across the state.
Some board members argued the rent costs could force price increases for services and potentially lead to service cuts. In an earlier portion of the meeting, Broadhead presented the 2012 Strategic Plan to the board, which included a section showing the board needs to identify priority services to be funded. She said identifying those programs is key as funding mechanisms continue to be cut.
In another matter, the board addressed a complaint to Ohio Environmental Protection Agency concerning odor emitting from Sunny Farms Landfill filed by the city of Fostoria. Joe Frola, director of operations, said the "rotten egg" smell which many residents complain about is caused by hydrogen sulfide, produced by trash decomposing past a three-year period.
Frola said efforts were being taken to extend Sunny Farms' gas collection system to burn the gas before it is released into the air. Approval from EPA is needed, and the company said it hopes to begin installation within the winter. Sunny Farms installed the system voluntarily, Frola said, to act as "good neighbors."
Also related to Fostoria, Broadhead said she and the city's administration agreed to demolish the former Fostoria Footlighters building, 255 S. Poplar St. The building was declared a public health nuisance in 2010 after a new owner purchased it for $1 despite a warning of problems, including mold and structure issues.
The cost of demolition is to be covered by both entities. The health district's share is to be about $10,230. Funding for demolition cannot be used for General Fund purposes: however, Environmental Health Director Laura Wallrabenstein said the health district may assess the cost to the property owners' taxes.
The contract is to be handled through Fostoria. The board agreed to the health district's involvement in the project, and is to consider appropriation of funds at the next meeting.
Also, the board approved an emergency condemnation of 72 Monroe St. While the building formerly had tenants, all residents have left. Wallrabenstein said ther building may be sold.
In other news, the board:
Rescinded the commendation of 811 S. Wood St., Fostoria.
Rescinded the commendation of 845 Cory St., Fostoria.
Rescinded the commendation of 104 Diehl St., Bettsville.
Rescinded the commendation of 212 Potter St., Fostoria.
Rescinded the commendation of 515 W. Fremont St., Fostoria.
Rescinded the commendation of 405 S. Broadway St., Green Springs.
Rescinded the commendation of 1050 W. CR 592.
Rescinded the commendation of 221 S. Town St., Fostoria.
Approved appropriations for out-of-county meetings/travel.
Approved fund advances, transfers, supplements, contracts and resolutions.
