Each Barry County Board of Commissioner’s meeting has a public comment time at the beginning and at the end of its business agenda. The commission’s policy is to provide time for citizens to talk, listen to their remarks, but not to respond. Tuesday, several county residents took the opportunity to be heard, and most complained about the Barry Eaton District Health Department.
Elden Shellenbarger reminded the audience of an Eaton County Board of Commissioners meeting on Aug. 16 when commissioners would consider a resolution rescinding the health department’s TOST regulation.
TOST calls for inspections of on-site water and sewer systems and replacement or repair to those deemed failing before the sale or transfer of properties in both Barry and Eaton counties. It has been the target of Barry County critics since it’s inception 10 years ago.
Sharri Philips said when trying to learn the health department’s progress in handling a rat infestation in her neighborhood, she spent two and a half hours trying to reach the right person in the health department. “The menu and phone system is horrible, she said. “…a person could die before they get to the right person. Three times I ended up talking to probate court…I think the system is designed to prevent people from reaching them.”
Jack Miner said the BEDHD ratifies it’s budget next week. “At least three executives of the BEDHD will get a 9.6 percent raise. 9.6 percent. Who is watching the store, men and ladies?”
Bob Vanderboegh said: “Beyond the increases in salary… the health department is asking for a 6 percent increase in the environmental permit fees,” after they asked for 6 to 8 percent increase a year or two ago. “It’s just a continuing flow of money for those folks.”
Bill Redman advised the commissioners to eliminate TOST and, “getting the BEDHD back where it belongs, in Barry County…it’s time to straighten this out.”
Larry Bass had a wider question. “Should a property owner be required to get government permission to sell his property?”
