Board member offers testimony opposing HB 463

Auglaize County Board of Health member Dan Harpster testified before the Ohio House of Representatives Tuesday, voicing opposition to House Bill 463.

The legislation would eliminate general health district advisory councils and transfer the power to commissioner boards. Harpster said they are concerned the bill opens the health department to more political agendas and could undermine health district operations.

“We are concerned at the Aulgiaize County Health Department that you are going to do more harm than good through House Bill 463,” Harpster said.

He argued that the funding stream through the township levy was why it should remain as it is — governed by the health district advisory committee, which includes township trustees.

“How much closer can we get to representation when it’s township trustees?” Harpster asked.