Hours Will Be Restored for Health Agent

Health Agent Martin Fair's hours were cut after June Town Meeting, but will be restored. Fair has been North Reading's health agent for 30 years and had always worked 35 hours per week until his schedule was cut back by 11 hours.

The Board of Health addressed the , and requested that Fair's hours be restored. Fair wears many hats including auditor, trainer, educator, technical expert for health and environmental issues and emergency responder. He also oversees all of the contractors who inspect local restaurants and acts as a compliance officer to enforce code.

The reduction in hours would have impacted the town and a number of services including compliance code enforcement. Fair made a presentation to the Board of Selectmen to justify his budget before the hours were cut. According to Selectman Mike Prisco, the cut was made based on Fair's presentation.

Fair was present when the budgets were discussed, but did not mention that there would be an issue until the November 21 Board of Selectmen meeting.

The Board of Selectmen and town administrator decided to restore Fair's hours and will use money from the salary pool. His hours are now back to 35 per week. 

Selectmen Chairman Bob Mauceri asked that consolidation be considered in preparation for the 2013 budget to reduce the amount the Board of Health is spending on outside services.