INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The City of Independence will disband the health department starting July 1 in an effort to save $375,000 annually.
City Manager Zach Walker made the announcement Wednesday, saying the decision was made in the interest of long-term financial sustainability. The City is dealing with a projected $3 million budget gap for the upcoming fiscal year.
“This decision was not taken lightly but we feel it is a necessary step to meet the goals outlined in the City’s strategic plan, 'Independence for All,'” City Manager Zach Walker said in a news release.
In the release, Walker says many services offered by the health department are duplicated by other public or private providers, so the plan is to focus on essential public health services and integrating those duties with other city functions.
“This is a conversation happening across the country and communities are starting to move away from the traditional model of centralized health services,” Walker says. “We will achieve a healthier Independence by incorporating health considerations into decision-making across all departments and city services, such as housing and economic development.”
The health department employs 35 people. Thirteen employees have received termination notices and ten more are expected to lose their jobs in the coming weeks. Twelve employees will be transferred to other city departments.
Assistant Community Development Director Mike Jackson is set to assume part-time duties on March 1 as Acting Director of Health to facilitate the transition.
Restaurant licensing and inspections will be done by the Community Development Department, and the Independence Police Department will take over animal control services.
In the release, Walker says two new positions will be recommended in the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department budget to expand community and employee wellness programing.
Other services will be phased out by July 1.
Additional information will be provided to the public during the transition about specific service changes.
