Salem ponders reclaiming its health department

SALEM — Salem officials say city residents would get better help if Salem regains control of its health department.

Councilman Justin Palmer said today the city believes it can partner with Salem Community Hospital to provide more health-related programs.

City Treasurer James Armeni was a councilman when, in 1994, he voted in favor of turning over the city health department to Columbiana County.

At the time, the city health department was losing money, he said.

The department had a budget of $140,000 a year but only had receipts of $41,000 a year.

Council has asked the county health department to make a contractual offer on continuing to run operations for Salem residents.

The city’s 10-year contract with the county expires May 31, 2009.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com