Ripple Effect: Potty Surcharge

The folks living in Marion County, Ohio are angry about a new “Sewer Surcharge” that is being proposed by the Marion County Health Department.

And what does this have to do with smoking bans?

Apparently the cost of enforcing Ohio’s smoking ban is contributing a bigger budget:

Daniels alleged that part of the health department’s problem is that the health department’s budget has increased from $601,396 in 2001 to about $1.22 million in 2007. He stated in a letter to The Marion Star that much of the increase is because of pay increases and said Tuesday that the department’s carryover has continuously dropped each year as well.

Work said the budget has increased because of increased duties such as enforcing a state smoking ban, preparing to respond to bioterrorism attacks and expanding nursing services provided to area schools. He said while the state and federal governments mandate many of the extra duties that doesn’t necessarily mean they offer extra money in order to do the work.

This is only the beginning.  Plan on seeing more ‘Ripple Effect’ postings here at BtBWI.