Budget Cuts Force Health Department to Make Changes

The Carroll County Health Department announced changes to three Environmental Health programs. 

All changes took effect July 1, and according to a news release, the changes are a result of budget reductions. 

• The Bureau of Environmental Health will no longer investigate and enforce the County’s Weed and Nuisance Abatement Program. Citizens who wish to file a nuisance complaint regarding high weeds or the accumulation of trash should call the County’s Bureau of Roads Operations at 410-386-6717.

• The Bureau of Environmental Health will no longer enforce the Maryland Department of the Environment’s laws and regulations concerning the review and issuance of Open Burning Permits. At this time there is no officially sanctioned agency which can issue Open Burning permits or receive complaints about open burning.

• Finally, existing child care and assisted living facilities will need to use private certified labs and certified septic inspectors for renewal of licenses. The Bureau of Environmental Health will verify the number on the renewal license and will handle all new applications for child care and assisted living licenses.