Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Tallmadge man dies after motorcycle crash
Passers-by call police over topless gardener
Man on leave from Iraq war slain in Akron
Teen accused of drinking, dancing topless in club
Akron police arrest suspect in Iraq war veteran's killing
Macedonia prepares for budget cuts and layoffs
Soldier on leave dies after shooting near UA
Blogs:
Akron Docs in Haiti:
Almost home
First Bell - On Education:
21st Century Skills and Akron’s new middle school
Pets:
Lost Mini Schnauzer around Cascade Valley Park
The Heldenfiles:
Fess Parker, R.I.P.
Akron Zips:
Is it time to go after transfers?
Tribe Matters:
Wood sidelined at least six weeks
Cleveland Browns:
Yates latest to re-sign
Balanced Ledger:
How times have changed?
Kent State Sports:
Flashes fall in WNIT
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Gameblog: Cavs at Chicago Bulls (Green Mascot and All)
Buckeye Blogging:
Bucks High Seed – Turner High Praise
Varsity Letters:
Jackson advances to Division I state semifinal
All Da King's Men:
ObamaCare To Reduce Premiums By 3000% ?
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Pathetic GOP Nullification Attempts
Akron Law Café:
More on Shaming Corporate Criminals
Car Chase:
2010 CONCOURS SEASON IS UPON US
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Deals in Miami?!.
Sound Check:
Willie Nelson & Family coming to the Akron Civic Theatre May 11
See Jane Style:
Who Wore What – The Oscars
HRLite House:
Horses of Courses
Akron Gamer:
Video: Gamers expected to 'reach' for new 'Halo'
Group wants injunction to prevent loss of services
By Marilyn Miller
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Friday, Nov 20, 2009
The Barberton Health District is trying to stop a possible merger with Summit County.
The health district is suing the city and Mayor Bob Genet, who by City Charter is president of the district, over the possible merger.
''I stepped out of the room when the board talked about strategy,'' Genet said. ''I also abstain from voting on matters that would be a conflict.''
The district has asked the Summit County Common Pleas Court for a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop the city from trying to contract with the Summit County Health District for services.
Barberton Health Commissioner Paulette Kline said the city has failed to enter into a new contract for her agency to continue to provide services to the community. The agency depends on the city for 33 percent of its funding, and the rest is generated through fees and state and federal grants.
Given the tough economy, Genet said he thinks regionalism is the key to public health services.
He said a committee of health care professionals, business leaders and Barberton resident he appointed in February agreed.
Genet said contracting with the county for the services could save the city $350,000 to $500,000 a year.
The county provides services from vaccinations to inspections for every community except Akron and Barberton.
Akron is also exploring whether to switch to the county.
The Barberton Health District contends the city council violated the city's charter when it passed a resolution Nov. 9 to allow the mayor to contract with the county. The city's health department said it is up to voters to decide whether to make the switch.
An estimated 20 Barberton health employees would lose their jobs if the switch is made.
Genet said the county could not guarantee it would take all of Barberton's employees, but will consider them for open positions.
Kline said such a merger would hurt the level of service the city's residents now enjoy.
''Social issues affect health outcome,'' she said. ''Some services may be offered outside of the city and 12 percent of the Barberton population have no personal vehicles and 8 percent have no land line or cell phone.''
Genet said the county plans to open an office in the community to offer prenatal services, WIC and access to birth and death certificates.
''I'm hoping we can sort all this out and get back to focusing on being fiscally responsible and providing health services for the population the city serves,'' Genet said.
The suit has been assigned to Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer.
''We never wanted it to get to this point,'' Kline said. ''We just wanted to get back to the table. When it comes to human condition, I'm a big believer. It's worth the fight.''
Marilyn Miller can be reached at 330-996-3098 or mmiller@thebeaconjournal.com.
The Barberton Health District is trying to stop a possible merger with Summit County.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
akron, oh
Posted 11:38 AM, 11/20/2009
Since his days on cituy council Bob genet has not been fiscally responsible. The Citizens now pay more for less services and then are tapped again for those services through their water/sewer bills. Genet and City Council have basically given away many of the assets as political favors. We buy properties up and charge fees for everything while the roads and water lines are crumbling around us with no sign of any city maintenance. Bob Genet has been a very big part of Barbertons demise over the last 20 years. It is time to send him packing next election.
Anti-Politically Correct & Anti-GOP, OH
Posted 11:59 AM, 11/20/2009
Genet is a waste and should be removed from office.
Anti-Politically Correct & Anti-GOP, OH
Posted 12:01 PM, 11/20/2009
Mike Soyars should run for mayor.
Posted 01:30 PM, 11/20/2009
So what's new in the Tragic City? The only saving grace in Barberton is Lake Anna.
Akron, OH
Posted 11:38 PM, 11/22/2009
This health department merger situation is setting a dangerous precedent. Currently the county has three health departments, all are custom designed for the city or area in which they serve and all are semi autonomous from the mayors and county executives. This is important because public health shouldn't be political. The goal of the merger is to destroy all three health departments and create one health department under the control of the mayors and county executive. Furthermore, services will be reduced because this new health department will only do the bare minimum. This may save money but it will not reduce taxes or be used to benefit citizens. Why do you think these mergers are being ramroded through instead of being put before the voters with debate? Furthermore in Akron, the housing division is about to be shifted out of the health department. Look out, if you tick off the mayor or city counsel you will have a housing inspector at your door with condemnation placard in hand. People, demand a vote on this with open debate, this is just a power grab by Russ Pry and Don Plusquellic. Don't fall for it.
