Montgomery County Establishes New Health Department

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – Montgomery County residents are set to experience a significant shift in public health services after the Commissioners Court voted 3-2 on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, to establish its own county-run public health district. This decision marks the end of a three-decade partnership where the Montgomery County Hospital District (MCHD) provided these essential services.

The pivotal vote saw County Judge Mark Keough, Commissioner James Noack (Precinct 1), and Commissioner Robert Walker (Precinct 5) cast their ballots in favor of the new district. Commissioners Riley Nelson (Precinct 4) and Charlie Riley (Precinct 2) dissented, voicing concerns over the move.

The new county health department, expected to be fully operational by September 2024 to align with the next fiscal year, aims to consolidate direct county control over vital public health functions. These include disease investigation, operation of immunization clinics, management of environmental health programs (such as restaurant inspections), and the handling of vital records like birth and death certificates. Meanwhile, MCHD, which operates as a separate taxing entity established in 1989, will refocus its efforts entirely on its core missions of emergency medical services (EMS) and indigent healthcare programs.

Financially, County Judge Keough projected the new health district would cost approximately $2.2 million annually. He emphasized that this would be a “net zero” impact on the county budget, explaining that MCHD currently pays a similar amount to the county for other services, which would now effectively be redirected. The newly formed district is slated to hire a director, nurses, epidemiologists, and other necessary public health staff.

The impetus for this change largely stemmed from criticisms leveled by Judge Keough and Commissioner Noack concerning MCHD’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials frequently cited issues with data sharing, transparency, and overall communication from MCHD during the health crisis, asserting that direct county oversight would improve responsiveness and accountability to residents in Montgomery County, one of Texas’ fastest-growing regions.

However, the decision was not without strong opposition. Commissioner Nelson voiced worries about the financial implications of creating a new department from scratch, suggesting it could potentially lead to future tax increases for residents. Commissioner Riley echoed these doubts, questioning the necessity of duplicating services and highlighting MCHD’s established expertise and infrastructure built over 30 years. During the discussions, MCHD had offered to continue providing these services for a reduced rate of $1.7 million, an offer that the Commissioners Court ultimately declined.

In the wake of the vote, MCHD released a statement expressing disappointment with the decision. The district cautioned about potential service disruptions during the upcoming transition period but reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its core missions of providing quality EMS and vital indigent healthcare to the community.

The county is now expected to form a transition committee to oversee the establishment of the new health department, including developing an organizational structure, hiring key personnel, and facilitating the transfer of relevant records and equipment. Residents can anticipate further details on this transition as September 2024 approaches.

For official meeting minutes and future updates from Montgomery County Commissioners Court, visit the county website: https://www.mctx.org/departments/departments_a_-_f/commissioners_court/index.php

For information on MCHD’s services and mission, visit their official website: https://www.mchd-tx.org/