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Steubenville City Council Supports Health Department Merger

Steubenville City Council will vote Tuesday on a resolution to pursue negotiations to merge the city and county health departments.

Councilman Mike Johnson had been talking to his colleagues since a Monday night meeting, when professor John Hoornbeck of the Center for Public Policy at Kent State University presented an 81-page feasibility study.

“The meeting was very informational, and we now have three options. The first option is to do nothing. It appears we can’t shut down our health department because the state would take it over. We can combine the two departments into one department or we can contract with the county health department to provide services. I propose we should merge with the county health department,” Johnson said during a finance committee meeting. “I don’t want to drag our feet. We need to get the ball rolling. I believe council wants to move forward. It will save the city money and increase money to the county health department. We have been thinking about this for the past two and a half years.”

“My biggest concern is making sure city workers have a job. I don’t want to see people without a job. I will fight for that. I don’t want to do anything roughshod,” said Councilman Willie Paul.

“We can vote Tuesday on the resolution and continue discussing it. We can get the ball rolling. This benefits everyone. There will be a ton of negotiations and a ton of ordinances to review. I want to be fair across the board and express a desire to have a union with the county health department,” Johnson said.

Mayor Domenick Mucci initially asked council to wait until after the city board of health meeting on Thursday.

“The state of Ohio is asking for combinations and collaboration. It is pretty clear the contractual agreement is what both parties will probably agree to. But this is not a free lunch and there will be a cost to the city,” Mucci said.

“I can tell you a consolidation would require work and effort. You will need to plan and manage the transition. That will take time and energy. The cost and potential savings are important. My hope is the report can help you as you move forward productively,” Hoornbeek said.

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