Health board officially dissolved

July 05--GILMAN -- After 33 years, the Ford-Iroquois Public Health Department is officially dissolved, following the board's final meeting this week.

Both counties have opened their own departments.

At Monday night's meeting the board of health approved the final expenses for the agency, including issuing its last payroll checks and paying employees for their accrued time.

The board, which has disagreed over several matters in the past 18 months, debated some of the expenses.

While the board approved paying a bill from Manpower from FIPHD funds, Dr. Bernadette Ray wondered if moving the Iroquois County employees to their new office should be that department's responsibility.

After discussion, it was agreed that those expenses would be paid out of the bi-county funds.

"I just want to make sure everyone's getting off to a good start," Ray said.

Some of the items moved were records from the joint department. While the FIPHD received approval to destroy some records, Interim Administrator Steve Williams said those remaining can still fill a semi-truck. Iroqouis County will store the records, which will remain accessible.

A bill for $71,256 for the forensic audit done by CliftonLarsenAllen was also discussed. Ray said the board approved paying $50,000 for the audit.

However, Iroquois County Board Chairman and health board member Rod Copas said the contract with the company was for a per-hour rate and it took longer than anticipated to resolve IMRF discrepancies.

Another expense that was approved was "tail" insurance to cover the department for any claims that might be filed in the year after the department closes.

The cash on hand was also divided, with 68 percent, or $297,970, going to Iroquois County and 32 percent, or $140,221, going to Ford.

Once all of the revenues and expenses are received, Williams estimated Ford County would take from the FIPHD a total of $394,000 and Iroquois just over $1 million.

The board also heard a status report from the administrators of the new departments.

Iroquois County Public Health Department Administrator Dee Schippert said while her staff will miss serving the residents of Ford County, separating the two departments "provides us with many new opportunities to do things even better."

She also said the dissolution will result in cost savings for Iroquois County residents.

Ford County Public Health Department Interim Administrator Lana Sample said that the Ford County department will have 11 employees when it is fully staffed.

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