<!–
LISBON — Most food vendors in the Columbiana County Health District can expect to pay higher fees for their licenses next year, with the exception of temporary license holders, who will pay less.
“Some went up, some went down,” Environmental Director Laura Fauss said.
The health district board approved the first reading for the proposed food license fees for next year, based on a cost methodology process which takes into account the amount of time put into the program by health district employees.
The health district inspects food service establishments, such as restaurants, food trucks or any commercial operation that serves food, looking for health and safety violations.
A public hearing will be scheduled sometime later this year to give license holders a chance to comment on the fees. Passage will require two more readings, with the fees to take effect next year.
The proposed new increased fees for food service establishments, by risk level and size, with each including a $28 portion that goes to ODH, showing the current rate first, then the increased rate include: commercial under 25,000 square feet, risk level 1, $251 increasing to $314, risk level 2, $281 to $351, risk level 3, $524 to $648, risk level 4, $661 to $814; commercial 25,000 square feet and over, risk level 1, $356 to $443, risk level 2, $374 to $465, risk level 3, $1,293 to $1,584, risk level 4, $1,370 to $1,677; mobile, from $125 to $133.
Late fees were listed as 25 percent above the license cost.
Temporary event fees decreased from $67 to $54.68. There’s no ODH fee attached for temporary events.
The vending fee, which is also based on the previous year’s consumer price index, increased from $19.88 to $20.78. Each figure includes $6 that must be sent to the state.
In other business, Health Services Administrator Amanda Amato said spots are still available for the flu and COVID vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the dome at the county fairgrounds. High doses for residents over age 65 and regular doses of flu vaccine will be available. For those without insurance, the cost will be $50 for the high dose and $25 for the regular dose. The COVID vaccine booster will be available with or without insurance.
She said an appointment must be made for available time frames. Call 234-564-7888 to register for the clinic and bring the COVID vaccine card to be updated.
Health Commissioners Dr. Wes Vins announced that sanitarian-in-training Alexis Lawton, who does the water sampling in East Palestine, was awarded the Ohio Environmental Health Association Shooting Star Award at a recent meeting.
The board also issued board orders against Jared Adams to clean up a property on state Route 9, Hanoverton, particularly items holding stagnant water; approved a variance for Sell & Sons Excavating LLC. West South Range Road, Salem, for six continuing education hours, which has been satisfied; and approved seeking bids for the Water Pollution Loan Control Fund bid group three project, with bids due Nov. 14 from septic contractors.
The board also gave permission for construction of a new storage shed to store cribs and car seats. Vins said the current shed was deteriorating. Timko Construction was selected with an estimate of $16,500 for the 14-foot by 24-foot temporary building. Part of the costs will be covered by a grant for the cribs and car seats program for storage. The program is funded through the Department of Job and Family Service through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding. The pad will have to be expanded since the new shed will be bigger than the old one.
The next health board meeting will be 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at board offices on state Route 45, Lisbon.