Fairfield Health Department Faces Possible Layoffs

LANCASTER, Ohio—The Fairfield Health Department is considering laying off up to 11 workers.

Fairfield Health Commissioner Frank Hirsch said he’s looking for additional funding, so he won’t have to lay off any employees. If that funding isn’t found, Hirsch said, layoffs could become a reality and furloughs are also a possibility.

The Fairfield Health Department lost revenue from Pickerington, which decided to use services from the Franklin County Board of Health. That means a lost tax base of about $90,000. 

The Fairfield Health Department also lost about $40,000 in fees from health inspections, in addition to less taxes because of bankruptcies. 

Board of Health President Paul Martin says the department is “still healthy because we have essential things we have to provide services for, but obviously we can’t be as proactive as we’d like to be.“ 

Resident Heath Martin uses the Fairfield Health Department. “The timing is horrible. I understand the budget, we all do, but some things you just can’t cut.“ 

Health department officials said they hope the public won’t be affected by any potential cuts.  They said community volunteers would step up to the plate if needed.

The Fairfield Board of Health meets November 12 to discuss the 2010 budget and what steps to take.  The department continues to look for grants and other funding sources. Some previous grants have been reduced. 

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