MASSILLON – The Massillon Health Department is looking forward to a move from her home of more than 10 years to a new facility as early as January.
The Massillon Board of Health met during a special, 10-minute meeting Wednesday afternoon and voted unanimously to purchase a new home for the city facility — the current Midwest Health Services building at 611 Erie St. S.
More: The Massillon Health Department aims to add new positions with a $180,000 grant
An agreement was recently reached between the city and the building's owner, Campbell Oil Co. based in Massillon, which operates BellStores convenience stores, allowing the city to purchase the 8,076-square-foot brick structure for $325,000. The sale is pending final approval by the City Council.
“The size is perfect and it's an exciting new property for us,” he said Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perrymember of the city board of health, adding that future building renovations should amount to about $100,000.
Massillon could complete the Health Department building purchase next week
Catazaro-Perry said she plans to call a special City Council meeting on Tuesday, allowing members to consider finalizing the purchase of a building for the Health Department.
American Bailout funds received by the city will be used for the transaction, he said.
The city's Health Department is located in St. James AME Zion Church Life Center, 111 Tremont Ave. SE, since August 2011. Its previous home was the former medical arts building of Affinity Medical Center.
Jeff Thornberry, president of the Massillon Board of Health, said rising costs and flexibility were factors behind the purchase and eventual move.
More: Mayor Massillon outlines how to spend money from the American Rescue Plan Act
“The rent was going up too much (was one reason),” he said. “We were also looking for a place to host our entire program.”
Massillon Health Director Terri Argent said the Midwest building is handicap accessible, has adequate parking and room for growth.
“It has bigger offices and plenty of room for expansion,” he said.
Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE
