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Macon County commissioners set Sept. 9 public hearing on whether to bring health department under county control
Summary
After extended discussion about complaints, permitting delays and staff morale at the county health department, the Macon County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously July 8 to hold a public hearing Sept. 9, 2025, on a resolution to consider making the county the health department's governing board.
The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously July 8 to schedule a Sept. 9, 2025 public hearing on whether the county should adopt the county health department as a county department, a change that would make the Board of Commissioners the governing body and convert the current Board of Health to an advisory role.
The discussion began at a special joint session with the Macon County Board of Health convened by Board of Health Chairman Jerry Hermanson. Commissioner Jason Shearl said the board had received numerous complaints about the health department and questioned whether an appointed board should have sole authority over the department. "I believe it is wrong to have an appointed board appointed by this elected board to have sole authority over the health department," Shearl said, describing concerns about low morale and a permitting backlog that residents have reported to commissioners.
Jerry Hermanson, chairman of the Board of Health, urged commissioners and county staff to share complaints with board members so the board could address them, saying, "If the Board of Health does not know there are problems then they cannot fix them." Hermanson also noted the board operates under state law and said he speaks directly to the health director when issues are raised.
Commissioner Frank Breeden proposed a resolution to consider adopting the county health department as a county department and to hold a public hearing on Sept. 9, 2025. County Attorney Eric Ridenour read the relevant state statute, NCGS 153A-77, and explained the process for a structural change. Dr. Andres Vargas, a Board of Health member, defended the current director, saying he has known her for two decades and described her performance as "impeccable," and urged the board not to pre-judge staff without first allowing the board and director to address complaints.
Commissioner Breeden's motion was seconded by Commissioner Shearl and the board voted unanimously to set the public hearing for Sept. 9, 2025. The Board of Health then adjourned its special meeting at 7:32 p.m.
What happens next: The Sept. 9 public hearing will allow the county to receive testimony and public comment before the commissioners consider adopting a resolution to change the department's governance structure. County legal counsel advised that moving a health department under county control requires a resolution and public hearing under state law.
