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Contractors urge county to address Health Department backlog; commissioners schedule open session next week
Summary
Local contractors raised concerns during public comment that the Kent County Health Department is suspending wet‑season percolation tests, potentially delaying construction projects. Commissioners announced an open session on the issue next Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Local contractors asked the Kent County commissioners April 8 to address what they described as a backlog in septic and wet‑season percolation tests, saying the suspension of tests is delaying construction projects and threatening jobs.
“I employ 15 full time W2 employees in Chestertown that all live here. I have multiple millions of dollars worth of jobs,” contractor David Holman told commissioners during public comment. Holman said Kent County contractors are concerned that the health department’s suspension of wet‑season perk tests for the year could jeopardize projects and jobs; he encouraged commissioners to review health‑department policies and staffing.
Commissioners responded that they had already scheduled an open session on the topic for next Tuesday at 6 p.m. to keep the discussion public. The board invited contractors and other concerned residents to attend and said county staff and the health department would be asked to appear so the commissioners can review staffing and procedural concerns.
The board’s announcement follows ongoing communications between contractors and county health staff. Commissioners urged residents with specific cases to bring evidence and ask questions at the scheduled session so the county can assess whether policy or staffing changes are needed.
