11/18/11 Health district proposes food inspection fee hikes

  • By Nick Sabo
  • November 18, 2011
  • 281
                        
SUMMARY: Increases necessary to keep inspection program finances in the black In an effort to keep its food program fiscally in the black, the Holmes County Board of Health is preparing to raise inspection fees 14 percent. Holmes County Health Commissioner Dr. D.J. McFadden presented the health board with the increased fees Nov. 19. The fees represent across the board increases for the most part, affecting major food establishments on down to one-day food stands for fundraisers. McFadden said the increases are necessary if the food inspection program is to stay self-sufficient. McFadden said the program is at risk of ending 2011 with a deficit. “I think we could potentially slide by this year, but the potential we’ll be in the hole is there,” McFadden said. “I’m throwing (the fee increases) out as an option, realizing the fees (will be) significantly higher.” The suggested fee increases are as follows: Food establishments of less than 25,000 square feet: Risk level (RL) one, $153.25 to $170; RL two, $171.50 to $190; RL three, $319.25 to $365; RL four, $402.25 to $460. More than 25,000 square feet: RL one, $217. 25 to $245; RL two, $228.25 to $255; RL three, $784.75 to $915; RL four, $831.25 to $970. Temporary, per day, $32 to $35.50. Mobile unit fees will drop from $205 to $82. Vending location fees will stay the same at $22.93. The health board will hold a public hearing on the fees before voting to approve. The food program employs two part time inspectors and is run through the environmental health division. McFadden said the ‘temporary’ classification makes up the bulk of inspections as they include fundraisers such as chicken barbecues. In other business, McFadden reported two cases of whooping cough in the county this year and said he feels they are just “the tip of the iceberg”. Fearing that unreported cases may lead to additional outbreaks, health department officials are encouraging treatment for individuals who may have been exposed to infected individuals to stop the spread of further infection. The board further approved an agreement with the Wayne County Health Department to share a $24,853 Ohio Department of Health immunization action plan grant. The agreement names Wayne County as the fiscal agent for the grant, with the Holmes County health district submitting invoices to cover expenditures. The grant is used for immunization education services as well as costs associated with satellite clinics. The next meeting of the Holmes County District Board of Health will be held Dec. 16.


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