Here s how some Lancaster County boroughs and townships have responded to the resolution.
Wants a county health department
Denver Borough
Denver Borough Council members joined other local officials calling on Lancaster County to establish a county health department, which county commissioners have been reluctant to do so far, despite a yearlong pandemic.
During their meeting on March 29, council members offered informal support to the March 8 letter and resolution initiated by Manheim Township to create a county health department. Borough Council did not take a formal vote on the resolution.
Councilperson Todd Stewart, who said heâs not always one for more government, pointed out that a county health department could have been useful with the pandemic.
What happened: Supervisors discussed and voted 3-0 against the creation of a county health department.
Why it matters: Manheim Township Board of Commissioners sent a letter to all county municipalities and school boards last month to convince Lancaster County commissioners to create a health department. Chair Tom Willig said Strasburg Township received the letter.
Not in the position: Willig said he believed the township is not in the position to make a decision to endorse a countywide health department. He said county commissioners discussing the issue at their meetings is more appropriate than supervisors voting to promote it.
Supervisorsâ comments: âWhat would (a county health department) do for the people?â Supervisor Peggy Dearolf asked. Vice Chair Mike Weaver said he would not vote for âsomething that they (Lancaster County) canât tell me what itâs going to do,â adding he needed âhard facts.â