LISBON — The Columbiana County Health District Board held its second reading of the proposed food license fee increase for next year at its regular meeting Thursday.
Potential increases are based on a cost methodology process that takes into account time spent on the program by health district employees.
The health district inspects food service establishments, such as restaurants, food trucks or any commercial operation serving food, for health and safety violations.
A public hearing will be scheduled later this year to give licensees an opportunity to comment on the fees.
The proposed new fee increases for food service establishments, by risk level and size, each including a $28 portion that goes to the Ohio Department of Health, first showing the current rate and then the rate increase includes: businesses less than 25,000 square feet, risk level. 1, $251 increasing to $314, risk level 2, $281 to $351, risk level 3, $524 to $648, risk level 4, $661 to $814; commercial 25,000 square feet or more, risk level 1, $356 to $443, risk level 2, $374 to $465, risk level 3, $1,293 to $1,584, risk level 4, 1 $370 to $1,677; mobile, from $125 to $133.
The late fee was listed as 25 percent more than the cost of the license.
Fees for temporary events have decreased from $67 to $54.68. There are no ODH fees for temporary events.
Selling fees, which are also based on the previous year’s consumer price index, increased from $19.88 to $20.78. Each figure includes $6 that must be sent to the state.
In announcements, Health Commissioner Wes Vins reported that the county health district received rave reviews from the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), which accredits public health departments, after submitting the district annual report and in particular for its response following the February 3 event in Norfolk. Derailment of a southern train in eastern Palestine.
“PHAB called our work “an impressive piece of work” that was carried out to support the response to the East Palestine train derailment. » » said Vins. “They talk specifically about using our health department plans and “leveraging and working with local partnerships, improving communication and information sharing, equipping staff with the support needed to provide a response effective” and our testimony before the Senate.
Vins said such a compliment is rare from the Board of Supervisors and speaks to the dedication of the health district’s employees.
“They closed by saying ‘Thank you all for your hard work and for serving the members of the Columbiana County community during an incredibly stressful situation.'” » said Vins. “Knowing how critical they are of public health services and their thoroughness, I was quite impressed with the PHAB in terms of how we responded. I wanted to share this and congratulate the staff for their excellent work.
The board also approved the agreement of the Lisbon Public Affairs Council. Vins explained that the agreement was a continuation of an existing agreement with Lisbon to help the village monitor commercial connections to prevent pushbacks.
“The municipal water system must have backflow devices on commercial properties to prevent contamination from contaminating the entire water system. We help them by doing the mailings and monitoring the reflux testing program,” he explained. “It’s just a continuation. There is no change in fees. We’ve been doing this for four years and this would be, I believe, our third contract. It’s a very successful program that works well for them.
Vins added that this is a service the health board would also provide to other municipalities in the county.
Regarding budget changes, the board approved a reduction in official certificates for getting vaccinated ($50,000) and the rabies program ($331), as well as reducing appropriations for program salaries rabies control ($12,215.65).
The board also approved several policy updates, including a food resolution with new terms and code sections, an embargo resolution and an internal nuisance policy. A resolution to approve the modernization of policy manual updates was tabled until new board member Linda Garwood, who was selected by the Columbiana County Health District Advisory Board to filling the seat left empty July 29 by the death of longtime board member Tom Haugh in September has ample time to consider it. October monthly expenses of $56,644.43 were presented and approved and quotes for employee medical insurance as well as estimates to renovate the main entrance door to comply with ADA regulations were been reported as received.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 20 at 4:30 p.m.
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