Carroll County Board of Health names medical director, reviews public health updates

The Carroll County Board of Health had a full agenda during its Aug. 20 meeting.

Beginning Sept. 1, Dr. Mandal Haas will serve as the district’s medical director. Ohio law requires health districts to employ a medical director when the health commissioner is not a physician. Haas has practiced in the county for 29 years and has served as coroner for 21 years.

“I think it’s a worthy cause, and I’m excited to move into the public health sector,” Haas said.

Health Commissioner Kelly Morris reported that Carroll County received a Promising Practice Award for its youth resiliency program during the National Association of County and City Health Officials conference in Anaheim, California, held July 15-18. Morris said the conference provided valuable insights for health departments facing funding challenges.

She also updated the board on Stronger Together, the collective impact model for the Community Health Improvement Plan. Upcoming planning sessions will include a virtual meeting Sept. 29 and an in-person meeting Oct. 7. The department is also working with local churches to promote Hope Sunday, scheduled for Sept. 28, which focuses on suicide prevention.

Environmental Health Director Tina Bernard said the Ohio Department of Health confirmed two positive West Nile Virus mosquito samples in Washington and Brown townships, though no human cases have been reported in Carroll County. She also updated the board on the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund, which has received 11 applications for septic system repair or replacement. Six have already been awarded. A subcommittee will meet publicly Sept. 3 to review contracts for septic-related services.

Jessica Slater, communicable disease nurse, reported tick-borne illnesses are three times higher than this time last year. Three cases of anaplasmosis have been confirmed in June and July. “The ODH reported only four cases for Ohio,” Slater said, noting that three of those cases were in Carroll County.

Corrine Rogers reported 13 deaths and 65 birth certificates purchased in July. She clarified that the death count reflects only deaths occurring in Carroll County, not county residents who die elsewhere.

Year-to-date revenue totaled $1,183,414, with expenses at $1,093,571, leaving a positive balance of $89,843. For July, however, expenses exceeded revenue by $74,255. Fiscal officer Campbell attributed the shortfall to three pay periods, liability insurance, and state remittances.

In other business, the board:

— Approved the July 16 minutes.

— Approved the July 2025 budget.

— Approved June expenses totaling $150,586.89.

— Approved appropriation increases of $24,000 for General Health and $5,000 for General Environmental.

— Approved appropriation amendments.

— Approved a $350 septic refund to Patricia Malone for a Point of Sale Evaluation.

— Approved a $258.01-per-month T-Mobile proposal to supply cell phone and tablet service for environmental and nursing divisions.

— Entered into an agreement with Haas as medical director through Dec. 31, 2027, at $100 per hour, not to exceed $20,000.

— Approved creation of a subcommittee to receive public bids for the WPCLF.

— Approved posting bid packets for soil scientist and septic design services for fiscal 2026.

— Revised the Point of Sale policy to allow an 80% refund if a property transaction is canceled.

— Amended the Stark County Health Department contract for the Cribs for Kids program, adding $1,350 and extending the grant through Dec. 31, 2025, to provide nine cribs.

— Met in executive session from 6:28 to 7 p.m.

— Adjourned at 7:05 p.m.