Minutes 09-21-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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problems. He said that the County should allow dual services and try to find another location if it is not happy with Carr Mill Mall. Chris Harlan is the Vice-Chair of the BOH. She said that this is a horrible decision that the BOH had to make, but they have had to make tough financial choices due to the economy. She said that there are never enough dental services. There is a choice between fiscal responsibility and making sure that they serve people who need it. She said that they cannot balance the budget on the backs of the staff. Staff must be adequately supported to provide these services. With the dual system, it is running the staff ragged. Commissioner Yuhasz said that this is not a reduction in the amount of dental services, but will increase the number of patients they see and the quality of those services. He said that this is only changing the location and hopefully this will be a short-term option until the Health Department and the County can financially provide these services again in both ends of the County. Chair Foushee said that she does respect the work of the BOH and Commissioner Yuhasz's comments, but she finds it difficult to believe that those who would be most negatively impacted by these service changes would be the ones who will not access those services. She does not think that there is more that the County can do at the current time. She hopes that the ability to provide these services at both ends of the County will come before 2021. She is finding it very difficult to support the recommended option. Commissioner Nelson said that he does feel for the staff of the Health Department and the BOH, and the County as a whole has made many budget cuts, but he feels they are cutting past the bone. He said that he does not feel that this is a done deal yet and he thinks that there is an alternative solution. He does not disagree with the BOH or Commissioner Yuhasz—they make a rational case. However, this flies against the County's philosophical values and he would prefer to work on this longer to find an alternative solution. Commissioner Pelissier said that she is struggling with this also. She said that there is still information missing for her and that is how many residents would be affected by moving this clinic to Hillsborough. She said that if both sites were staffed fully, it would double the number of clients, but it would cost $230,000 additionally. To get there, it would take many years. This is a huge struggle. Commissioner Gordon said that she agrees with others that there will be a negative impact and she does not really know the full impact on the people in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. She would also like to know how these people would be able to find services elsewhere. She wants more information on exactly how this would impact the southern end of the County. Commissioner Jacobs said that he is not averse to increasing the Board members' comfort level. He suggested that staff come back at the very next regular meeting with a list of the parameters of inquiry. He has no interest in leasing a $65,000 a year space in Carr Mill Mall after June 2011. He said that he has become sick of hearing the expression the "new normal," and he does not think the Board has come to terms with the "new normal." He said that the County Commissioners are being asked to choose between things that they have always supported and valued because the County does not have the resources. He would like to work through this enough so that other people feel like their questions are answered. He would be glad to get more information on things like staggered hours, reaching out more to customers, and asking customers if they would come to Hillsborough. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to defer consideration of this item to the October 5, 2010 meeting and direct staff to address the concerns and questions raised by the Board in relation to this change in service and whether it will be adequate.