County, cities urged to aid Snohomish Health District

Published 11:09 pm Tuesday, August 12, 2008

With the Snohomish Health District saying it will cut 35 positions by Nov. 1, and possibly another 50 in January, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon says the county — and local cities — should chip in to help out the public health agency.

Noting that the health district is projecting a shortfall of $4.4 million next year with layoffs affecting about 20 percent of staff, Reardon said that the county and cities should provide some financial relief.

Reardon’s proposal sent in a letter to cities around the county was discussed during a meeting of the 15-member health district board on Tuesday.

Under his proposal, the county would pay about $150,000 more, and the cities would contribute $1.2 million.

The amount each city would pay would be based on its population. The suggested amount under this formula was not immediately available.

However, County Council member Dave Somers said that many cities are facing their own budget woes because of the downturn in the economy.

“This will be a very tough sell to take on additional (financial) responsibilities,” he said. “I think it’s inevitable that there will be layoffs at the health district.”

Without help, the public health agency is facing a tough future, officials said Tuesday, with cuts predicted to many of its programs.

This includes nearly eliminating its First Steps program, which helps pregnant women get food, housing and medical resources.

Other services that health officials said would be affected include: cutting the days of the week its vaccine services are offered at its Everett and Lynnwood clinics; cutting its West Nile virus surveillance program; and cutting three positions and reducing the hours of operation for its tuberculosis control program.

The proposed changes also call for some fees increases, such as those charged for inspecting on-site sewer systems.

Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com.