Goodhue County Health and Human Services Board briefs

Board approves new mission statement

A new mission statement developed by the Health and Human Services Department integrates the former mission statements from both the Social Services and Public Health departments before they joined together.

The board unanimously approved the statement, which reads: “Promote, Strengthen and Protect the Health of Individuals, Families, and Communities.”

“We feel that this does show what we as an integrated Health and Human Services Department would like to provide the citizens of Goodhue County,” HHS Deputy Director Mary Heckman said.

Position left vacant because of unknown future

Board members decided at their meeting Tuesday to wait a few months before filling a position that was vacated Sept. 12.

HHS staff proposed that the former office support specialist who had been with the county for 22 years be replaced with a lower paying position. The replacement could be hired for about $23,000 less per year than the previous employee made in that position.

But with details unknown about a future building that will house the entire Health and Human Services Department, the board was hesitant to move forward with the new hire.

Chairman Dan Rechtzigel said it wouldn’t be logical to hire somebody now who may be laid off once a new building is constructed.

“Why would we make a decision to hire someone that might not fit in in a new building?” Board member Gary Iocco echoed. “I think holding off a couple more months might be the best decision overall.”

“It’s probably the best thing to do at this point based on so many unknowns,” Board member Jim Bryant agreed. “Give it until the start of 2013 and see how it’s doing.”

Meeting watch

Tuesday's Health and Human Services Board meeting lasted one hour. All members were present.

— Compiled by Regan Carstensen, staff writer

Tags: goodhue county, government