By Jamie Fleury, Pilot News Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — The Commissioners and Council both approved requests for the Marshall County Health Department and are researching the possible acquisition of one of the Bowen Center buildings to house the department.
The Council approved Marshall County Health Department Administrator Sandy Dunfee’s request to apply for the Public Health and Emergency Preparedness Grant in the amount of $25,000. The Indiana Department of Health offers this funding through its Emergency Preparedness Division. Dunfee confirmed that this money reduces the amount she requests from the General Fund which can be used by others across the County. Though the application process can be time-consuming, she considers fiscal responsibility a priority in her work.
The Commissioners also approved the pre-payment purchase of washer and dryer sets from Lowe’s with grant funding for school nurse’s offices in schools that want to participate.
Both government bodies discussed the possible purchase of one of the Bowen Center’s buildings to accommodate the Health Department. Rent at the Community Resource Center is costly, needed expansion of the department would result in a substantial increase. The Commissioners made a motion to allow Attorney Jim Clevenger to determine if the current appraisal is sufficient; and to pursue a second if necessary. It will be up to the Council to explore funding.
