Citizens For A Better Norwood 2

Monday, August 18, 2008

HCPH Commissioner Ingram's letter with contract cost

July 30, 2008

Joseph C. Geers, Director
Department of Public Service-Safety
City of Norwood
4645 Montgomery Road
Norwood, OH 45212

Dear Joe,

As you requested in your July 17, 2008 letter, I have prepared an estimate of the cost to use Hamilton county Pubic Health (HCPH) services. I based this estimate on the City of Norwood Health Department’s (NHD) 2008 Appropriation Documents, Annual Report, and Fee Schedule you provided. Attachment 1 provides a comparison of fees and services for HCPH and NHD that are similar in nature. The fees structure is comparable although there are some variations based on type and size of facility.

The services provided for Environmental Health, Disaster Preparedness and Vital Statistics programs are similar with the exception that HCPH no longer investigates high weed complains unless vermin and rodents are involved. We respond to all other types of nuisance complaints such as housing, trash, and standing water, etc.

There are differences in Nursing Services provided. HCPH provides immunization clinics, flu shots, TB testing and reportable disease follow-up. We do not provide blood pressure clinics, home nursing for chronic disease or school health programs. However, we do assure that persons needing these services are referred to the one of the many service providers in Hamilton County.

Based on the 2008 Appropriation Documents, the City of Norwood is currently appropriating through four funds - health grants, administration, health/medical services, and health/environments - $541,077.01 for the NHD. These appropriations are for salaries, supplies, and contractual costs.

Based on the same assessment formula that all townships, villages and contracting cities pay into the general fund of HCPH, your cost for 2009 would be $21,901.81. We would also carry out the licensing and other permitting functions with those revenues coming to HCPH.

Providing public health services does not have to be a one size fits all approach. If you would prefer to continue your home nursing, blood pressure clinics and school health programs, HCPH could hire a nurse to continue these services as an additional expense.

I am happy to answer any questions you may have. HCPH is ready and willing to assist the City of Norwood in this important decision. Let me know if you would like to meet and further discuss your options.

Sincerely,

Tim Ingram
Health Commissioner
Hamilton County Public Health

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