Greene County health commissioner outlines 0.8-mil renewal for public-health programs

Melissa Howell, Greene County's health commissioner, appeared at the Beavercreek Women's League candidates and issues forum to explain Issue 1, a proposed 0.8-mill, five-year renewal levy to fund the health district's operations.

Howell said the levy supports dozens of programs, including inspections and licensing for food service and body-art businesses, animal-bite response, communicable-disease work and community health assessments. "We are requesting the renewal of a 0.8 mil 5 year operating levy that goes to support about 36 programs that we have at the health district," she said.

Howell described the health district as modestly funded by the levy and other fees, and said the levy has been in place since 1954. She said the levy rate equates to about $28 per $100,000 of property valuation and that the district uses levy revenue to leverage grants and other funding. Howell also described the district's role in monitoring behavioral health statistics and partnerships with community providers. She said the district has worked with providers including the Five Rivers/Greene County Health Center and expects additional behavioral-health staff to be available through expanded local services.

Howell told the audience the health district has relied on levies historically and urged support. "We're likely one of the smallest levies in the county, but we do big things and we're very proud of them," she said. Voting on Issue 1 is set for Nov. 4.

The forum did not include a formal vote on Issue 1; Howell's presentation was informational and part of the public outreach ahead of the election.