Montgomery County commissioners appointed Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack as the county’s representative to manage the transfer of public health services from the Montgomery County Health District and the Montgomery County Hospital District to the county.
The appointment was approved at a regularly scheduled commissioners court meeting Dec. 20.
The Montgomery County Public Health District originally voted to transfer management of public health from the hospital district to the county in a special joint meeting July 26.
According to a presentation given at the July 26 meeting, a federal waiver granted to the hospital district in 2010 sustained the funds for public health services through 2022. Without the waiver, and with an inability to use public tax money, the district needed to hand over management to a new entity.
MCPHD and MCHD officials considered Lone Star College, Sam Houston State University and The University of Texas Medical Branch before suggesting to fold public health into a county department, according to the meeting.
In June 2022, MCHD gave a 90-day termination notice of the management agreement, exceeding the 30-day notice required by contract, to the MCPHD. At a joint meeting of the MCHD and MCPHD board, the MCHD agreed to an extension of the interlocal management agreement with the complete transition and/or termination on or before Sept. 30, 2023.
According to the public health website, programs under the district include clinical services, epidemiology, medical reserve corps and emergency preparedness.
Senior Chief of Staff Evan Besong from Noack’s office said in an email Dec. 27 his office did not have a comment regarding the transition at the time.
Noack was scheduled to speak at the MCPHD’s board meeting Jan. 12. According to the agenda, the item was deferred.
However, Jason Milsaps, public health district transition manager, said in the meeting the county is putting a hold on all matters dealing with the manager transition.
The next board of directors meeting is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 3:30 p.m.
