At last week's meeting of NorCo Council, Executive Tara Zrinski continued the trend she started of delivering detailed reports about what specifically is happening in various departments. I already advised you what she had to say about the election as well as her responses to questions about the parking deck replacement. Here's a summary of what she had to say.
Parking Deck. - Zrinski, who walked the Washington Street hill last week, acknowledged, "It wasn't easy." I've previously told you about a contract for a lease at Shiloh Baptist Church on Easton's south side and shuttle service to and from the courthouse. I've also told you that the county is negotiating a lease for additional parking at St. Anthony. In addition to what she reported last week, she told me yesterday that the county was in discussions for parking with Easton, but "the closest parking garage would be totally cost prohibitive, costing thousands of dollars per employee, per month. A gravel lot on Lehigh Drive was proposed, but the City was unable to guarantee 150 spots.
Gracedale. - Zrinski will present her "continuum of care" concept at the next Human Services committee meeting.
GLP-1. - This latest weight loss medication has increased health care costs to the county by $1 million.
Hotel Tax Grant applications. - will open 7/10 for eligible applicants.
Human Services. - has reduced out-of-home juvenile placements to 156, which is half what it was 5 years ago. Instead, diversionary services are prioritized. "It's kind of nice to "make sure that children are staying within their family, and that they're getting the help that they need to keep that family intact."
Parks Department. - has planted over 800 trees. Renovations are near completion at Wy Hit Tuk Park in Williams Tp.
Corrections. - Has been placing inmates in crisis in inpatient facilities that focus on treatment, which has saved the county $500,000 this year.
Fiscal Affairs Director. - Will be announced in late June
State of the County Address. - Zrinski's first "State of the County" address will be on June 24, 4:30 pm at the National Industrial Museum of History.
"GLP-1. - This latest weight loss medication has increased health care costs to the county by $1 million."
ReplyDeleteThe jokes about fat assed government workers write themselves when eating properly and engaging in mild exercise would cost taxpayers nothing. Heartless and irresponsible to those on fixed incomes.
Rude. Also, how much will be saved in insurance costs because people who have taken GLP1 no longer have diabetes, heart issues, stroke risks, etc because the GLP1 have reduced their risk?
DeleteCough. How about producing some data that makes your point beyond the 22ounce milkshakes with whipped cream on top that some of these people call coffee every morning? Or, the infamous food carts that show up every week at DHS that some idiots think is a good idea? Not even to mention the daily Romp-a room nonsense featured on Zoom during the pandemic and even still to this very day. And get this…” Library Hours”!
DeleteIt’s a “ Shhhhh “ hour when caseworkers can put their heads down. And play pretend just like the whack job in the corner office.
Ok?
3:32, Holy shit! As you know, the general public is not allowed inside that building so I have no idea if what you are saying is a joke or true. Can you elaborate?
DeleteShe certainly has given enough speeches, so when will the results of her words turn to action?
ReplyDeleteIf the jail is "saving" so much money, how about improving the health insurance with that savings? Oh, but a cupcake is better, I guess?
ReplyDeleteLol. Insurance. Why not staff the jail!!!!! Officers getting mandated 4 to 6 times a pay period. Let's worry about Insurance. Lol
DeleteI'm curious as to how GLP-1s have cost the county $1 million, did she provide any details on that?
ReplyDeleteThe County is mostly self-insured, so I'd surmise the cost reflects prescription coverage for employees on the county health plan.
DeleteCaught that as well. Sounds like BS. If no documentation was provided someone needs to file a RTK or the Controller should do an audit.
DeleteDoes not sound like BS to me at all. GLP-1 is expensive and the county pays for that prescription coverage. Many employees suffering from diabetes or pre-diabetes and who have high BMIs are qualified for this coverage. Hey, medicine costs money.
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ReplyDeleteWonder if Lamont would accept a Fiscal Affairs position.
OT, but why has work apparently stalled at Dixie Cup? The LA Fitness has been sitting half demolished for weeks with the bulldozer parked next to it.
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