By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors moved forward on health administration at their meeting Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the service center in Vinton.

Maggie Mangold of the health board met with the supervisors regarding an update and a possible budget amendment for next fiscal year. They are looking for an additional 0.5 full-time equivalency (FTE) employee for the department.

Health Board Member Lisa Staab showed the costs for the structures the board is considering. One option calls for separating out land use from the health administration. They talked about combining environmental health with public health. A health administrator would be hired for 1.0 FTE and continue environmental health and public health at 1.0 FTE each. However, Staab pointed out this is not the structure the supervisors chose.

The current structure, supported by the board of health, has 1.5 FTE for environmental health. 1.0 FTE would be need for public health, plus 0.5 FTE to assist that individual. They said this will require additional funds. The exact number depends on how much it will cost to hire people. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman felt this could be determined in the fall with an amendment. Other board members agreed.

Other business

A Class C Liquor License was approved for Blairstown Sauerkraut Days Beer Tent.

A proclamation was approved for Crisis Intervention Month. The supervisors had a picture with the proclamation and Crisis Intervention staff.

Vacation carryover was approved for Cara Martin of Veterans Affairs.

The final reading was approved that declares Emergency Medical Services as an essential county service. A group picture was taken.