Clark County Board of Supervisors Punts Health Department/DATCP Ordinance
Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019 -- 11:23 AM
-The Clark County Board of Supervisors discussed an ordinance regarding the Clark County Health Department becoming an agent to DATCP at their meeting last week.This idea was floated before the board before and brought back for a first reading as an ordinance. The ordinance would see the Clark County Health Department become an agent to DATCP and perform the same duties and functions as DATCP for the various establishments in Clark County. For example, the Clark County Health Department would be able to issue licenses, incomplete inspections, complete investigations and more. Those in support of the resolution said this would be an opportunity for Clark County to be more locally involved with businesses and provide a quicker response time in regards to the issuing of licenses, follow up after inspections and provide immediate response in case of an outbreak. The department stated that there are 260 licenses operations running in Clark County, but they believe another 10% could be discovered if Clark County takes this on. They feel that would be safer for Clark County residents in case of potential outbreaks or other safety issues.
However, many board members were opposed to the idea. They felt that this was the state trying to throw their responsibilities onto the county. They also had questions about liability and the numbers provided with the ordinance. In terms of revenue, Clark County would keep 90% of the money brought in for license and other items. 10% would go to DATCP. The Health Department would also adopt the current fees and not make major changes to them. They board also questioned the expenditures in regards to another full time employee, transportation and more. Eventually, the board voted to move this item to the February meeting and give the Health Department more time to provide better numbers.
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