PUBLIC HEALTH
The Jones County Board of Health had a delayed quarterly meeting, but members completed necessary business before the end of the fiscal year deadline.
The June 27 meeting was called to order by the board’s vice chairperson, Leslie Coleman, in the absence of chairman Ed Barbee. The quarterly meeting was originally scheduled June 7 but was postponed at the last minute.
After the approval of the agenda and the minutes to the March 1 meeting, Morris Hutchinson with the North Central Health District presented an update on the building renovation.
Hutchinson said good progress was being made on the building. He said the drywall was complete and the first coat of paint being applied.
The speaker said he was meeting with the architect the next morning and anticipated the renovation would be completed by October or November.
Sylvia Woodford with the North Central Health District presented the proposed 2024 budget for approval. She said the budget totaled $1,145,800, and the new budget year would start July 1.
The 2024 budget was approved unanimously by board members.
Karen Ebey-Tessendorf with the North Central Health District presented the North Central Health District strategic five-year plan. She said the plan goes into effect July 1. The priorities of the plan are to educate the public, expand services and improve technology.
Ebey-Tessendorf said it became evident during the pandemic that public health technology was outdated. She said the goal is to increase access to external resources and re-establish public health identity.
Neal Modi with the North Central Health District gave an overview of SB 121, concerning private water wells. He said the public is no longer required to connect with public water. He also spoke about new state body art regulations.
County reports
Jones County Environmental Specialist Margaret Graham presented the environmental health report. Her report indicated there are 47 permitted food services facilities in Jones County, and 20 were inspected in the third quarter.
The report shows new septic permits and repairs were both down. Well permits were down, but the number of wells tested increased.
Nursing Director Sherry Bryant gave the nursing report. She said the numbers of visits had dropped, but she expects the numbers to pick up when they move back into the newly renovated building.
Woodford presented the financial report for the month ending May 31, which was 92 percent of the fiscal year. She said the total revenues were $874,636 and total expenditures $861,421. Cash in the bank as of May 31 was $602,962.
Ma’Kyha Sims with the North Central Health District gave the epidemiology report. She said the COVID public health emergency was over, and the number of cases is low. Sims added that the number of reported Monkey Pox cases continue to be low, but a vaccine is available at no cost to anyone at risk.
With no more business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting of the Jones County Board of Health is scheduled Sept. 6.
