MOUNT VERNON — The Knox County Commissioners heard of some plans from new Knox County Health Commissioner Julie Miller when they met Thursday afternoon at the commissioners’ office. Miller began her duties Sept. 20 after being approved in August by the Knox County Board of Health.
A 1975 graduate of Mount Vernon High School, “I have ties to the community,” said Miller, explaining how she used to live in Mount Vernon and still has family in the area.
Miller has over 30 years of experience in the health field and was most recently Director of Nursing at the Union County Health Department in Marysville. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Otterbein College and attended the doctor of nursing program at Case Western Reserve University.
“I’ve enjoyed it. I plan on bringing everything I know to the Knox County Health Department,” said Miller.
With a reported annual budget of $3.5 million, Miller agreed with the commissioners on meeting with them on a quarterly basis. “We have a lot to do soon in the way of health care reform,” said Miller. “There are a lot of things going on. Many agencies are doing various things individually. We have room to grow.”
One concern Miller had for the commissioners was that of building maintenance.
“Our facility is a great building, but it takes maintenance,” said Miller. “Some things need looked at.” She asked the commissioners if they could provide a maintenance staff person for limited hours throughout the week.
Commissioner Allen Stockberger assured Miller they would look into the possibility of her request.
With a solid waste budget due today, Miller stated how she has a written proposal for recycling and litter prevention education, explaining that she has been encouraged to seek grant money for a proposed program. “We’ll be proactive if need be,” said Stockberger.
