The Pulaski County Council discussed new health department positions during their meeting Monday.
In a previous Pulaski County Commissioner meeting, three new positions were approved for the health department. Pulaski County Director of Environmental Health/Foods Edwina Guffey formally asked the commissioners to consider adding three positions to the department. She stated they are currently in need of a part-time immunization nurse that would administer vaccines and assist the public health nurse. She added the part-time position would work no less than four and no more than six hours per contract. Guffey stated there is money available for this position through the Vaccines for Children grant. She added, that would pay for the position from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
The second position Guffey stated was a part-time Septic Permit Officer. She said the position would evaluate all soils, design, permit and inspect all on-site systems. Guffey stated the position can be paid through Health Department Fund 8912. Guffey then announced the third position needed for the health department was a part-time emergency preparedness officer. She stated the county hasn’t had one since 2015 and that the current preparedness plans are from 2013. She went on to say, this position helps with First Indiana Funding as well. It was noted by Guffey, the position can be paid out of the IDOH grant which is for emergency preparedness and would be in effect from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
During Monday’s council meeting, it was noted the health department would take $20,000 from the Vaccines for Children grant and put that toward the part-time immunization nurse position. Director Guffey said with the commissioners approval, she is now only needing approval from the council to move forward with filling the needed positions. Pulaski County Council President Ken Boswell entertained a motion to approve the proposed contracts involving three new part-time positions for the health department. A motion was made, seconded and passed unanimously by vote.
