St. Joseph County Health Department wants 17 new workers to handle lead, other health issues

The move comes after the county’s elected officials asked the department for a 2019 budget with no increases.

But health officials say it would be irresponsible for the county to turn down the request for new employees, arguing the extra workers are needed to provide services for lead-poisoned children and to better meet needs such as restaurant inspections and immunizations. 

The proposal, approved Wednesday by the county Board of Health, comes after the department has been forced to make budget cuts in recent years and reduce services because of the county’s financial constraints.

Health officials also say employee turnover is high because the department doesn’t offer competitive salaries. Current salaries range from $25,000 for clerical positions up to $59,000 for the department administrator.

“Our back is against the wall,” said Dale Deardorff, president of the health board. “We feel this is what it’s going to take to render services the community deserves.”