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Lucas County OKs health-district amendment to buy building at 1933 Spillbush Avenue
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners voted to amend the health-district merger agreement so the merged health district can purchase the Diocese property at 1933 Spillbush Avenue and relocate operations. Health leaders said the move resolves long-standing facility deficiencies and has broad local support from municipalities within the county.
The Lucas County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the merged city-county health district agreement to allow purchase of the Diocese-owned building at 1933 Spillbush Avenue for use as the county's public health facility.
Kareem Baroody of the health department said the change is meant to give the health district a cleaner, safer and more accessible space. "This move has truly been a long time coming," Baroody said, adding the purchase responds to an outdated and inaccessible facility that "no longer meets the need of our residents or our staff."
Health Director Tricia, who led the project with the board of health, told commissioners the effort received approvals or pending approvals from all five major cities, 11 townships and six villages in the county. "That kind of alignment doesn't happen by accident," she said.
Commissioners framed the purchase as an investment in public health infrastructure. Commissioner Gerken said the site will improve conditions for staff and the community and praised the director and board for carrying the project through after decades of planning.
The motion to approve the amendment passed on a roll-call vote recorded as yes from Commissioner Cebecchi, Commissioner Gerken and Commissioner Lopez. The amendment is the final step the health department presented to the commissioners before moving forward with the property acquisition.
Background and context: county staff said the health-district merger was originally agreed in 2000 to build a stronger, more equitable public health system. Presenters said the Diocese property at 1933 Spillbush Avenue is nearby the current site but will provide modern, accessible space for services and staff. Specific purchase terms and closing dates were not specified at the meeting.
