The Warren County Health Department was hoping to have some construction done in order to move the pharmacy, but some county commissioners feel this is unnecessary due to the upcoming move to a new building. 

At the county Building and Grounds Committee meeting Thursday night, Maintenance Department director Greg Bowdoin mentioned the Health Department was wanting him to cut a door in a wall. Bowdoin fears the wall may be loadbearing and feels it is out of his realm of expertise. 

“I don’t think we need to be doing much of anything at the Health Department if we’re fixing to build a new Health Department in the next two years,” said Commissioner Michael Bell. 

The county received a grant for a new $9 million Health Department. This imminent move is holding many commissioners up on recent decisions regarding the current Health Department. 

“They are moving the pharmacy. They are wanting me to cut out a door that is 32 inches and make it 36 and cut through the blocks” said Bowdoin.

“Does this need to happen before they get a new building? I don’t see the point of doing all this if we are getting a new one,” said Commissioner Chris Rippy.

“I have been very supportive of them over the years, but I think this would be too much of a liability,” added Commissioner Tommy Savage.

Savage also mentioned if the Health Department had an outside company do the work it could be costly. 

“What is the progress for the new Health Department?” asked Commissioner Scott Kelly.

“We haven’t even gotten  a contract yet. The contract won’t be here until February and we can’t do something until then,” said County Executive Terry Bell.