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Health department cites agent-program growth, ARPA rollover funds and lab capacity needs ahead of new nitrate testing requirement
Summary
Vernon County health staff described growth in the state agent program workload, plans to train an existing nurse for agent duties, an accepted ARPA rollover of about $150,000, and concerns about future nitrate-testing demand in light of an anticipated statutory change.
Vernon County health staff told the board the agent program’s workload has increased sharply and the department is preparing staff changes and inter-county cooperation to meet growing testing and inspection demands.
The director reported the agent program handled 827 water samples in the prior year and said staff are discussing how to support a heavy load without immediately hiring another registered sanitarian. One nurse, identified as Caitlin, is studying for the registered sanitarian exam; staff said the department intends to support internal training and certification timelines but does not expect Caitlin to replace the current sanitarian immediately. The department reported current agent staffing as about 1.75 full-time-equivalent positions for that function.
The department said it received acceptance for an ARPA rollover allocation estimated at about $150,000; staff will present a resolution to accept the funds in a future meeting. Earlier in the meeting the department also reported an ARPA-funded incubator purchase of $10,598.23 that was already installed and operating.
Staff raised a broader capacity concern tied to an anticipated change in statute that will require nitrate testing at tourist rooming houses, hotels and short-term rentals; the department said many county labs and UW-associated labs are at capacity and delays of several weeks have occurred. Vernon County staff said they discussed a memorandum of understanding to accept more samples locally and may expand lab capacity by agreement with nearby counties.
The environmental/sanitation program reported it is undergoing a three-year comprehensive evaluation by DECAP; staff said chapter 30 and chapter 31 ordinances adopted last year are part of the review and that a virtual meeting with DECAP leadership is scheduled for March 11. Environmental staff reported 67 environmental health concerns or complaints in the year, with four cases remaining open.
No formal vote to hire additional staff or to expand lab infrastructure was taken at the meeting; staff framed the matters as planning and coordination items.
