Proposal To Dissolve Health Department Pushed Forward

PIERCE COUNTY, WA — A proposal to dissolve and replace the Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department is one step closer to passing.

Monday, Pierce County's Rules and Operations Committee voted 2 - 1 to pass Proposed Ordinance No. 2020-136 on. With that hurdle summited, it will move ahead to a full council vote on Dec. 15. Supporters say they have the votes to pass it into law.

If it passes, it would mean a dramatic restructuring of a health agency right in the middle of the pandemic — which has many health officials and other critics asking why this change has to happen now, when the health department is so busy handling the pandemic.

Shortly after the proposal was announced, TPCHD Director of Health Anthony L-T Chen issued a statement saying that it was not the correct time to consider such a major overhaul.

"We are a neutral convener, and, especially during COVID-19, we have worked quickly with many partners throughout the county to serve all residents of Pierce County. The Health Department needs to focus all of its attention on ending COVID-19 in Pierce County. Efforts that divide our attention from this critical public health response are an unfortunate distraction," said Chen.

Others critics have argued that the proposal should be tabled, until the current crisis has passed and to allow more community members to weigh in on the change.

"There's very little time for folks to speak on this, and it only adds to the perception that there's something improper going on here," said Council Member Derek Young at Monday's committee.

Young ultimately cast the sole vote in the Rules Committee to halt the proposal. The vote to dissolve the department has largely passed on party lines, which has some critics accusing Republicans of pushing the legislation out the door before they lose their majority on the Pierce County Council at the end of the month. In an editorial for the Tacoma News Tribune, columnist Matt Driscoll called the move "an attempted public health coup."

Supporters, on the other hand, say a new health department is necessary to better represent the people of Pierce County. As is, the TPCHD is jointly run by Pierce County and the city of Tacoma, led by a board of health with members from both Tacoma City Council, the Pierce County Council, the Pierce County Medical Society and representatives from other towns

Sponsor Pam Roach says the dissolution of Pierce County's partnership with Tacoma will allow for those living outside the city to have a greater voice in matters of health.

"Everybody in the county should have equal ability to have themselves represented on the board of health. That does not exist today," Roach told KING 5 News.

Related: Pierce County Council To Vote On Proposal To Dissolve Health Dept