Town Health Officer
T own health officers are given authority by Vermont law to investigate and mitigate any potential or existing public health hazard in their town. Each town has a local board of health made up of the town’s Selectboard and the THO. The THO investigates all complaints and has extensive authority to take emergency mitigation steps and may enforce any State health regulations and local health ordinances in their town. When exercising this authority, the THO must be careful to follow the due process procedures. These procedures include proper notice, service of process, and the opportunity for hearing.
Role of the Town Health Officer
The duties of a THO, outlined in 18 V.S.A. § 602a, include:
1. Investigating when information is received about a condition that may be a public health hazard.
2. Enforcing the provisions of Title 18 and the rules and permits issued by the Health Department. (This includes notifying the Department upon discovery of any violation of rule regulated by the Department.)
3. Preventing, removing, or destroying any public health hazard, or mitigating any significant public health risk in accordance with provisions of Title 18.
4. Taking necessary steps, in consultation with the Health Department, to enforce all orders issued pursuant to 18 V.S.A. ch. 3.
Town Health Officer
Luke McCarthy
healthofficer@starksborovt.org