Health District Adopts New Budget
Health District Adopts New Budget
By Jan Howard
The Board of Directors of the Newtown District Department of Health on Tuesday unanimously approved its 2001-2002 budget of $356,706.83.
Though the Health District budget is up $5,220.79 over the current budget, it shows a decrease in the borough and town assessments because of reduced costs of workersâ compensation and health insurance.
The local assessment is $19,037.13 for the borough and $200,836.64 for the town as compared to this yearâs assessments of $19,488.63 for the borough and $205,564.35 for the town, or a total decrease of $5,179.
The increase in the budget is in part because of anticipated increases in salaries. The health district will begin negotiations soon with the Newtown Health District Employees Association. The salary account is up $13,136.20 from the current budget.
Mr Cooper said three percent increases have been included in the salary account for contractual raises.
The budget is as follows: Salaries, $237,346; Operating, $17,778.34; Contractual, $16,768.49; Transportation, $14,015; Health Insurance, $37,442; Workers Comp, $4,557; Legal/Financial, $5,650; Contingency/Fund Balance, $5,000; and Social Security, $18,150.
In other business, Health District Director Mark Cooper said the state is now unsure whether it will provide funding for larvicides. He noted the Health District could apply to the town for the funding as $10,000 has been included in the townâs budget in the event it is needed to combat the West Nile Virus.
The Board of Directors approved the spending of $18,404 remaining in state grant funds this year. The state has already given its approval for the Health District to use the money. According to Mr Cooper, the money would be used for expenses brought about by the relocation of Health District offices in Canaan House.
The board also voted unanimously to give Mr Cooper authorization to enter into contracts for state block grants and to spend the funds for health education activities.
