Geauga Public Health District (GPH) – January 4, 2023
Meeting Details: The GPH Board met in Special Session at the Geauga County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite B303, Chardon, OH, on Jan 4, 2023 at 5 pm. The Agenda was available ahead of the meeting on the GPH website. Geauga County Automated Data Processing (ADP) live streamed this meeting and a recording is available on the ADP Youtube channel in two parts: Part 1, beginning at the 14:40 mark https://youtu.be/ilHjkcXK2es?t=889 and Part 2 https://youtu.be/d7Iy5xOqG5w
Board Attendance: (as seated, from L to R)
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Richard Piraino, President
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Dr. Ashley Jones, Pro Tem
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Lynn Roman
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Carolyn Brakey
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Dr. Mark Rood
Staff Attendance:
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Dr. Jeffrey Cameron - Medical Director/Health Commissioner
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Adam Litke – Administrator
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Carol Straniero – Nursing Director
Daniel Lark, Environmental Health Director was absent.
County Representatives:
Call to Order: called to order at 5:00pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Minutes: None presented for review.
Operations Planning: Reserve Fund/Levy Discussion - led by Auditor Walder
Mr. Walder informed the Board he has reviewed GPH’s current reserve funds and recommends increasing their operating reserve from $300,000 to $1,000,000. The calculation is based on department assets. He believes the Budget Commission will approve this amount.
He then reviewed GPH’s operating levy, which features a 0.2 millage rate, the lowest in Geauga County. The levy expires in 2023, with collections last taking place in 2024, and the Board must decide when to place a levy on the ballot and how to structure the levy. He emphasized that the current levy has two advantageous characteristics:
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It is QUALIFIED, meaning it was established prior to 2013 and therefore 12.5% of the total is funded by the state. Levies established in 2013 and later are funded 100% locally.
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It is FIXED MILLAGE, meaning the millage rate is fixed but the amount potentially collected varies with assessed property values. He stated the levy generated about $613,000 in 2010 and $645,000 in 2022.
He explained further that the Board will need to decide whether to “restart the clock” with a replacement levy vs a renewal levy and explained that the Board may opt for a single “renewal and add” levy which maintains the 12.5% state funding on the original 0.2 millage while also requesting additional millage to fund GPH operating needs. With that option voters would consider a single question.
Mr. Walder advised that they consider the cost of placing a levy on the ballot, pointing out that costs are shared by all candidates and issues appearing on the ballot. He stated that it will presumably be less costly in the November 2023 General Election, which will feature local races. Observer Comment: the November 2023 General Election will feature school board races along with township trustee, village council and financial officers races.
Dr. Rood inquired about rules that prevent public officials from advocating for passage of a levy. Mr. Walder informed the Board that the Ohio Auditor intends to focus on this issue in the coming year and commented that a committee of interested but disassociated individuals would typically work in support of a levy.
The time frame for Board action was discussed. To appear on the May 2, 2023 Primary/Special Election ballot, properly completed paperwork must be submitted to the Geauga Board of Elections by 4 PM on Feb 1, 2023. In addition to multiple GPH Board votes, the process includes obtaining a Certificate of Need from the Auditor and getting approval of the County Commissioners.
Operations Planning: Contract Extensions and Cooperative Agreements
Lynn Roman reported she and Carolyn Brakey met with Lake County Health Commissioner Ron Graham to discuss interim scenarios to ensure continuity of Administrator and Environmental Health Director services while GPH works to hire personnel. There is a verbal agreement to extend these services through June 30, 2023 and a written agreement is being prepared. Mr. Graham is also preparing a range of financial models for the Board to consider. Mrs. Roman and Mrs. Brakey also communicated with Portage, Ashtabula, Trumbull and Summit counties about the possibility of cooperative agreements.
Administrator Position Update
Ashley Jones reported 24 applications were received and screened and invitations for 4 initial Zoom interviews were extended. Interviews will take place Jan 9 and Jan 11 and will be scored against the established criteria. Those results will be shared with the Board. Dr. Jones confirmed that candidates will be informed of the current funding challenges.
Additional Levy Discussions
Dr. Rood inquired whether the Board needs to take immediate action on the levy matter, given the early February deadline for filing. Mr. Litke indicated the topic would be added to the next meeting agenda.
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Mrs. Roman expressed concern about the cost and also about putting together the committee that would work to get the levy passed.
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Mr. Piraino asked the Board members to review the budget in preparation of making a decision at the next meeting.
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Dr. Jones wanted to understand how an increase in reserves might impact a levy request.
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Mrs. Roman requested that Mr. Litke prepare the financial “talking points” to guide their discussion at the next meeting.
Public Comments: This Observer expressed concern that the Board has inquired which services were mandated vs optional while also indicating GPH was in financial distress. The Board was asked to provide a timeframe for deciding whether current services, such as vaccinations, would be cut.
Mrs. Straniero shared preliminary information about how the Amish community would access vaccines, and at what cost, should GPH cut vaccine services. While emphasizing that the information was not complete, she noted that not all commercial locations offered the “baby’s first” series for infants and some providers only served those age 12 and older. The price per vaccine at the CVS Minute Clinic was $105-$118 which is significantly higher than what GPH charges.
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Dr. Jones stated that the last thing they want to do is eliminate these vital services.
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Mr. Piraino emphasized that the Board wants to “get the most bang for our buck” so they are looking at everything to see what they can do to streamline.
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Mrs. Roman said that cooperative agreements may provide another means to provide services but they are just starting to gather that information.
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Dr. Rood stated that he is passionate about preserving the services as there is need in the community but he sees opportunities for modernizing and improving efficiencies.
Executive Session: The Board moved into Executive Session at 5:52 pm for the purpose of discussing the appointment, employment and compensation of employees. Dr. Jones stated no further action was expected. Mr. Litke and Dr. Cameron were invited to participate. After approximately 95 minutes, the Board re-entered regular session and then immediately adjourned.
Next meetings: January 11, 2023 at 5 pm (Special), January 18, 2023 at 5 pm (Special) and January 25, 2023 at 5 pm (Regular). All meetings at Geauga County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite B303, Chardon, OH.
More Information: http://gphohio.org/
Approved minutes are shared on the GPH website through Nov 21, 2022 (scroll to middle of page).
Social media postings available here: https://www.facebook.com/GPHOHIO
Observer: Shelly Lewis
Editor: Anne Ondrey
Reviewer: Gail Roussey
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