COW recommends keeping Norwood Health Dept.

Enquirer reporter Steve Kemme attended last night’s Committee of Whole meeting
and reports that committee members decided to recommend the City not dissolve NHD and contract with Hamilton County Public Health for services. Additionally, the Norwood Board of Health is to resume its search for a new health commissioner to replace Donna Laake who retired at the end of August. City Council is expected to follow the recommendation at its regular meeting next Tuesday. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Frank Perino said the recommendation is a testament to the high quality of health services it provides and “It’s the health department’s personal touch that makes it so successful.”

With a projected $750,000 to $1 million drop in 2009 tax revenue, largely because U.S. Playing Card plans to move to Northern Kentucky next year, council members said every city department, including NHD, will have to make budget cuts next year.

Prior to the committee meeting, 17 residents gathered in front of City Hall for a rally to support keeping the Norwood Health Department. Click here to read Mr. Kemme’s article about the rally.

Starting today, several Norwood residents will be removing the yellow NHD signs from residents' yards, so if you find your sign missing, chances are it hasn't been stolen.