Westport Board of Health Discusses Staff Changes and Budget Amid Rising Rabies Cases

In a recent meeting, the Westport Board of Health tackled issues including proposed staff changes, budget considerations, and an increase in rabies cases. The board approved proposals for hiring additional staff to handle increased workloads and discussed budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. Rising rabies cases prompted a proposed budget increase for rabies control, while discussions also covered septic system variances and updates to the town’s emergency response plan.

The board explored budget proposals for FY 26, highlighting the need for additional staff to manage workloads due to new state regulations and an uptick in temporary food events. The proposed addition of a part-time clerk would necessitate an extra $22,500 in the budget. Questions arose about whether fees from food permits could offset this cost, as the board grappled with sustaining workloads without more staff. A related discussion on the transfer station’s budget proposed creating a position for a transfer station foreman.

The board also reviewed budget increases for rabies control. The proposed $1,000 rise was linked to the increased incidence of rabies in local wildlife. With nine animals testing positive and two awaiting results, the board emphasized public awareness and preventative measures, including educational outreach and the purchase of edible rabies bait packs. This effort aims to curb the spread of rabies and safeguard public health.

Septic system repairs and variances were another focal point. A variance hearing was conducted for a property on Cummings Lane, where the owner proposed replacing a cesspool with a modern system. The board approved the project with conditions, including a deed restriction. A similar discussion followed for a property on Rose Avenue, which required waivers due to its undersized lot and proximity to a shared well. The board carefully considered the need to comply with Title Five regulations while accommodating site limitations.

The meeting also touched on updates to the town’s emergency response plan. This plan is undergoing its first update in 20 years, involving data collection and community input on local hazards like stormwater runoff and flooding. An online survey will soon be available for residents to contribute their experiences, and a consultant has been hired through a grant to assist with the process.

Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection’s upcoming study on PFAS, toxic chemicals found in groundwater, was discussed. Westport is slated for this study, with findings expected in early 2025. The board plans to coordinate efforts to inform residents about potential health risks and regulatory actions affecting private wells.

Another variance hearing was held for a septic system on Rose Avenue, where the board approved the plan with several conditions, contingent upon review by the Conservation Commission.

The board also addressed a Title 5 inspection at a property on Plymouth Boulevard, where nitrate levels raised concerns. The prospective buyer, who was present, was advised of the potential issues and agreed to install a filtration system. Despite discrepancies in the septic system’s history, the board found it compliant with Title 5 regulations, advising the buyer to investigate further with the realtor.

The meeting concluded with a decision to reschedule the next meeting due to scheduling conflicts with Veterans Day, setting the new date for November 25. Updates were provided on the formation of an opioid settlement fund advisory committee, with outreach to local departments underway to secure commitments for representation.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Town Administrator:
Jim Hartnett
Board of Health Officials:
Tanja Ryden, Philip M. Weinberg, Donna Amaral

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