Two resign from County Public Health Department

DAYTON–The Board of County Commissioners met with heads of departments during their regular meeting on April 18 and also convened as the Board of Health where they learned of two resignations: Tracy Clark and Chelsey Eaton.

The Board of Health convened and heard from the new administrator Katie Roughton who requested a pay increase for Delphine Bailey who has been with the department for 17 years. She was one of the Interim Administrators and is in charge of the WIC program, vital records and insurance. The Commissioners said they will review her proposal for the increase.

Roughton also notified the Commissioners that they will need to fill the program coordinator position once again and sought their approval for the job description and to advertise for it. The position was recently filled by Tracy Clark, who has since given notice after accepting another job.

Eaton attended and submitted her resignation. She has worked for four years and served as Interim Administrator with Bailey, Program Coordinator, and Coordinator for the Coalition for Youth and Families.

She read her letter of resignation to the Commissioners, citing her reasons of not having been given the opportunity, while on maternity leave, to apply for the permanent administrator position to which Roughton was recently appointed. Eaton questioned Roughton’s program experience in public health.

“More concerning is public knowledge of her personal opinion about public health amid the pandemic which is opposite of the expert medical recommendations,” Eaton stated “The passion I have for public health will never leave, but I can no longer work for this department or legislative body that devalues my service, commitment, dedication and core values.”

Commissioner Hall stated nothing was intentional on the Commissioners’ part and expressed gratitude for her time.

Roughton told the Commissioners they will need to approve the job description to be advertised to fill Eaton’s position.