05 November 2009

Over $2M Cut From Macomb County Health Budget

from Detroit Free Press




From combating the HIN1 flu to protecting drinking water, dozens of health services in Macomb County will be compromised after commissioners today cut $2.1 million from the Health Department.

Beginning in January, the cuts will reduce or eliminate water sampling, immunization clinics, hazardous waste pickups, restaurant inspections and subsidized health care for seniors and lower-income residents, among other services.

Lines at health clinics will grow, and the county’s response to health emergencies, such as an H1N1 pandemic, will be slower and less efficient.

The cuts “are an unreasonable expectation to ask of us,” Health Department Director Thomas Kalkofen told commissioners. “It really puts us in an awkward and untenable position. We have lost the ability to provide services.”

Commissioners, who supported the cuts 22 to four, said the decision was tough but necessary to erase next year’s $15.7-million deficit.

The cuts represent 8% of the Health Department’s budget.

“In the future this is going to get worse, not better,” Commissioner Ed Bruley, D-Mt. Clemens, warned of the county’s growing budget problems.

The four defectors said cuts to public health services were too deep.

“I’m having a hard time with this cut,” Doherty, D-Warren, said. “I’m extremely concerned about public health issues.”

No comments: