The Snohomish County Health Board has announced a new round of reductions in local public health programs and staff. Three programs will close and more than 25 staff members are to be laid off, effective October 1.
This is the third reduction in force in seven months, dropping the total employee count to 205, a 22% percent reduction compared to 262 total staff in August 2008.
Despite earlier cuts, a short-term loan from Snohomish County, a year-long hiring freeze, and increased fees for services, the Health District fell short of a balanced budget by $200,000 in 2009 and faced a projected $1.2 million shortfall in 2010.
Programs impacted by the cuts include Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic, First Steps home visiting, Hepatitis Prevention, the Tuberculosis Program and the elimination of a Disease Investigation Specialist. In addition, $150,000 in funds for emergency preparedness has been eliminated.
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