B.H. County Health Dept. Keeps 2nd Epidemiologist Position-Eliminates Two Others
The on-going skirmish between the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors and the county s health department seems to be coming to an end. In what started with what seemed like, at least one particular supervisor over-stepping his boundaries, ended with health department officials finding a way to keep a second epidemiologist position.
As reported by the WCF Courier, despite having their budget cut by $99,000 (the exact amount that would have funded the position), the health department decided to eliminate two other positions, and keep the additional epidemiologist position. After a legal review, it was determined, that the Board of Supervisors can determine budgets but can not vote to eliminate specific positions. Only the health department holds that power.
the supervisors rescinded last week’s motion and replaced it with one that solely cut funds to their budget, not specifically eliminating the epidemiologist position. Although, the budget cut is still $99,000, which is the near the exact amount allocated for the position.
As previously reported, the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday to cut funds for a county epidemiologist position. Now, an assistant attorney for Black Hawk County, Mike Treinen, told the Board of Health that he is researching if the motion approved by the supervisors is legal or not.
A WCF Courier article states that Treinen should have some clarification on the motion by the end of the day today (Friday, Jan. 30th). The article also states:
“The clarification that I envision here is that the motion that should be made and be voted upon should simply address the budget proposal, and by that, I mean the budget amount not elimination or changing of any staffing.” Treinen said.
Black Hawk County Supervisors Cut Health Dept. Funding In Midst Of Pandemic
In a move that Black Hawk County Supervisor Chris Schwartz called “irresponsible.” The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday to cut funds for a county epidemiologist position. Tom Little, Dan Trelka and Craig White voted to cut funding for the position, while Linda Laylin and Schwartz voted against defunding the role for next fiscal year, that starts July 1, 2021.
In an article reported by the WCF Courier, Black Hawk County Health Department Director Dr. Nafissa Cisse-Egbuonye said she does not understand the rationale for the cut, especially during a pandemic. Pointing out that the position studies more than just COVID-19, but also influenza, food-borne illnesses, pneumonia, along with many other diseases.
Black Hawk County Supervisors vote to cut funding from health department
WATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL) Amid a global pandemic that has claimed the lives of at least 4,500 Iowans, including 243 Black Hawk County residents, the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors has voted to cut funding from the Black Hawk County Health Department.
The Board voted 3-2 on Tuesday to cut $98,699 in funding for an epidemiologist, a medical expert that studies infectious disease patterns. As of Wednesday afternoon, 14,186 county residents have been infected with COVID-19, about 11% of the county population according to 2019 census data.
Supervisors Tom Little, Dan Trelka and Craig White voted to cut funding for the position. Linda Laylin and Chris Schwartz voted against the budget cuts. Schwartz and Laylin had both hoped to have more discussion before voting.