LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Floyd County commission reappointed its top health officer Tuesday night after voting to end his term two weeks ago.
During the board of health meeting, county commissioners said when they voted not to reappoint current Health Officer Dr. Tom Harris at their last meeting, they hoped the health board would bring forward a new health officer.
But the board chose Harris.
During the meeting, one Floyd County resident asked the commission why they certified him Tuesday when they wouldn't two weeks ago. Earlier this month, commissioners voted 2-1 to not approve a new term for Harris.
"We don't deal with Dr. Harris. We don't fire Dr. Harris. We deal with the board. The board agreed to step up to what we asked them to do," Floyd County Commissioner Shawn Carruthers said.
"It's a trust factor. We trust the board that they're going to do their job. And the board asked us to trust their person that they presented to us."
After the original decision, a representative for the commission told WDRB News they believed it was time to begin a new chapter for the health department, but would not comment further.
On Dec. 1, the only commissioner to vote to keep Harris was Tim Kamer, who said the decision was "bad timing," and saw no reason to get rid of Harris, especially during a pandemic.
Kamer said Tuesday's decision to withdraw the original vote came after the other two commissioners met with the health board.
"They spoke and said we got concerns. We want to lay out a plan to address them," Kamer said. "The health board agreed to those terms and so the commissioners felt satisfied with that plan of attack and said, okay we're good. We'll certify him for another four-year term."
Commissioners have questioned how the health department is handling issues other than the COVID-19 pandemic. Those issues include the opioid crisis, mental illness and homelessness.
"COVID has brought it to the forefront and we see where the health department can be a leader in this community and help tackle some of these issues," Carruthers said.
Floyd County Health Board President Dr. William Garner also addressed the commission and residents at Tuesday's meeting.
"Have there been some problems? Sure. Who doesn't have? Will I discuss those problems? No I will not. But we are working to solve the deficiencies of the department that people see, and to work with those people that have problems with us," Garner said.
On Tuesday night, Harris told WDRB News he just wants to take care of the worst public health emergency in more than 100 years.
Related Stories:
- Floyd County commissioners won't reappoint county's top health officer for new term
- Floyd County commissioner says health officer's firing is 'bad timing'
Copyright 2020 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
