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Putnam County advances Health Department reorganization but splits vote on deputy director
Summary
The committee advanced two Health Department position changes and approved an amended transfer while several legislators urged further discussion about eliminating the Director of Environmental Health and placing a deputy before qualifying requirements are completed.
The Putnam County Personnel Committee on April 23 advanced part of a proposed Health Department reorganization but split the question on filling a Deputy Public Health Director post.
Public Health Director Rian Rodriguez described a budget‑neutral reorganization effective May 1, 2026, that would create a Deputy Public Health Director and an Environmental Health Aide and change a Grade 5 Office Assistant to an Account Clerk II. Rodriguez said the candidate for deputy had begun a Master’s program in public health and is State‑eligible to serve in the capacity.
Legislator Montgomery raised concerns about eliminating the Director of Environmental Health position and said she was uncomfortable moving someone into a deputy role while they are still completing required qualifications. Rodriguez said the candidate had been reviewed by the State and that he was open to broader discussion.
Legislator Sayegh moved to split the question, advancing only the Account Clerk II and Environmental Health Aide positions. Chairwoman Addonizio seconded the amendment, and the committee approved the amendment and the amended pre-filed resolution; the transcript records the vote as "All in favor." Fiscal Manager William Orr said the timing for the May 1 start date is not time sensitive but the department wished to have the roles available for ongoing programs. The committee requested further discussion about the Deputy Public Health Director at the Health Committee meeting in May.
The committee also voted to decrease estimated appropriations on the personnel services line by $33,584 as part of the amendment. The motion to pre-file the amended resolution was approved; the deputy director question remains to be resolved at a future meeting.
