Prior to 1947, both the Ashland County General Health District and the
Ashland City Health District operated health departments
independently of each other.

In 1947, it was mutually agreed that the
Ashland County General Health District and the Ashland City Health District
establish a cooperative arrangement which continues today.
This arrangement allowed for a single health department sharing the same
facility and staff. This arrangement did not combine the two boards of health
as they continue to function independently of each other while meeting
on the same date and time. The Ashland County-City Health Department
has been located in the Ashland County Office Building,
110 Cottage Street, in the City of Ashland since July, 1975.

CURRENT STATUS OF THE BOARDS OF HEALTH

The Ashland County General Health District
and the Ashland City Health District currently conduct cooperatively,
but separate Boards of Health. While the separation remains, the one
Health Department known as the Ashland County-City Health Department
must respect legal separation with two separate budgets,
dual accounting systems, dual personnel records/procedures, dual payrolls,
dual legal representation, and dual purchasing practices.

ASHLAND COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT

The Ashland County General Health District consists of fifteen (15) townships
and eight (8) villages within Ashland County, excluding the City of Ashland.

The chairman of each township trustee group, the Mayor of each village
and the chairman of the Board of County Commissioners comprise the
Ashland County District Advisory Council (DAC). This group meets
on an annual basis in March of each calendar year in accordance with
Ohio Revised Code Section 3709.03. Per this section,
the DAC appoints the four (4) members of the Ashland County Board of Health
and the membership of the Ashland County District Licensing Council (ACHDLC).
The ACHDLC elects a primary (and secondary) member as the fifth member of
the Ashland County Board of Health. Each member serves a five (5) year term
and each year one member’s term is renewed or a new member appointed.
One member of the Board must be a physician per
Ohio Revised Code Section 3709.03(B). The Board of Health is an independent government body vested with the authority to hire the health commissioner and staff along with creating regulations to protect the public’s health.

Current Members of the Ashland County Board of Health:

Mrs. Gloria Weirick, Village of Perrysville;
Mr. Stan Kopp, President, Montgomery Township:
Mr. Jeff Hardman, Montgomery Township;
Dr. Danielle Raber, Montgomery Township, and,
Mr. James Kovacich (primary), President Pro-Tem, Jackson Township
Mr. Richard Plain (alternate), Troy Township

The Ashland City Health District consists of the City of Ashland.

The Mayor of the City appoints the five (5) member Board of Health with confirmation by Council in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 3709.05. Each member serves a five (5) year term and each year one member’s term is renewed or a new member appointed. The City Board of Health is an independent government body vested with similar authority as the County Board of Health.

Current Members of the Ashland City Board of Health:

Mr. Bruce VanScoy, President Pro-Tem;
Mrs. Janice Fridline;
Mrs. Hallie Strine;
Mr. Larry Norris,
Dr. A.W. Garrett; and,
Mayor William Strine, President
(by virtue of office per Ohio Revised Code Section 3709.05).


Facility of the Ashland County-City Health Department

The Ashland County Board of Health is provided office space
without charge by the Board of County Commissioners in accordance
with Ohio Revised Code Section 3709.34.
The Ashland City Board of Health is provided office space
through a contractual agreement between the
Board of County Commissioners and City of Ashland.
The City of Ashland pays an annual fee.

Budgets of the separate Boards of Health

Each Board of Health maintains a separate budget.
All expenses of the County Board are forwarded to the
Ashland County Auditor for payment and all expenses
of the City Board are forwarded to the
City of Ashland Finance Office for payment.

Revenue to Operate the Ashland County Board of Health

Funds to maintain the County Board of Health
come from the following sources:

1) A three-tenths (.3) mill five-year reduction levy
(passed in 2003 and assessed for 2005-2009)

2) Appropriation from each township and village
from their share of the inside ten (10)-mil fund
(also known as “inside millage”) as determined
by County Auditor based on property valuation;

3) Office receipts for operating costs associated
with registering, licensing and performing
Ohio Department of Health state-mandated local inspections,
nominal nursing clinic fee, etc.;

4) A small state subsidy; and

5) Grants.

Revenue to Operate the Ashland City Board of Health

Funds to maintain the City Board of Health come
from the following sources:

1) An annual appropriation from City of Ashland general fund;

2) Office receipts; and,

3) A small state subsidy.

Office receipts collected by the Ashland City Board of Health
are deposited with the Ashland City Finance Office.

Legal Representation for Each Board of Health