MOUNT VERNON — Finances were the main topic at Wednesday’s board of health meeting, as Fiscal Officer Linette Vance presented 2007 appropriations and a proposed budget for 2008.
Projected revenue for Fiscal Year 2007 is a little over $3.63 million; projected expenses are $3.8 million. For 2008, the numbers are about $3.57 million and $3.72 million, respectively.
Proposed expenditures include a 3 percent staff raise in ’07 and ’08. Vance said no new staff members are anticipated, with the exception of the hiring of a new part-time dental hygienist. It is anticipated the hygienist will be able to do more of the routine dental services, thus freeing up the dentist to do more in-depth procedures. It is also anticipated an additional hygienist will cut down on the waiting list of patients.
Computer hardware and software is another major component of the proposed expenditures. Items include new software for the medical clinic, dental clinic software, routine software upgrades and two new laptops.
A replacement truck at $18,000 is also included in the proposal, as the current vehicle has between 150,000 and 160,000 miles on it. Vance said the department initially thought to get a van as the replacement vehicle, but after further consideration, decided a full-size truck would be better equipped to have the mosquito sprayer mounted on it, while still providing hauling capabilities.
Vance said revenues are expected to increase due to the increase in the cost of birth and death certificates, and also in the dental clinic due to the dentist being able to do more procedures with the added hygienist. She is also anticipating an increase in medical clinic revenues.
The beginning balance for FY 2007 is $990,016; the beginning balance for FY08 is $820,017.22. The projected ending balance for FY08 is $667,122. While the general fund is still healthy, board member Jeff Harmer pointed out that expenses are growing faster than revenue. At some point, he said, the board needs to take a look at the focus and mission of the health department when evaluating the services it provides.
The board will review the numbers and be prepared to vote on the appropriations and proposed budget at March’s board meeting.
Regarding the solid waste nuisance on Columbus Road in Clinton Township, Health Commissioner Dennis Murray said the department has not yet received a ruling from Judge Otho Eyster. Regarding the old middle school, he said Brian Benick, environmental health division, met with owner John Bechtel Feb. 20. Bechtel had cleaned up some of the pigeon droppings, but the overall condition has not changed. Benick said Bechtel had requested a letter requesting he be allowed to drill two nonpottable wells on the property. Benick referred him to the Ohio EPA, as that is not in the jurisdiction of the Knox County Health Department.
Board member Keith Plocki’s concern was whether the building was still accessible to children, thus presenting a safety hazard. Benick said he visited the site Monday and tried to get inside, but was unable to do so. He said, however, that Bechtel told him the school was the site of 52 break-ins.
The matter was referred to the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office on Feb. 26.
The board was told of a solid waste nuisance at 6937 Johnsville Road in Hilliar Township. This was originally referred to the Knox County Prosecutor in 1988; Murray did not know whether the site was cleared up from that complaint. In June 2005 the department received a new complaint from the township. The owner, George David Vernon, has requested numerous extensions of time in order to clean up the site, but has not yet done so. The board issued a 21-day order to clean up the property before the matter is referred to the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office.