WATCH: Funding of health program put to rest, at least for now

Wayne County commissioners have apparently put the WATCH funding issue to rest.

The commissioners on Tuesday voted 4-3 to give the nonprofit health program $165,000 for the current fiscal year instead of the $110,000 that had been originally appropriated.

The split vote showed the divisiveness the issue has created among the members of the board. Giving money to nonprofit organizations has riled some commissioners who believe the county taxpayers should not have to come up with money for what they believe are non-essential functions.

Other commissioners have fervently supported increased funding for the program, citing its obvious benefit to the county's residents.

We have argued on behalf of the latter and are glad to see WATCH get the additional money.

Although the argument will likely come up again next year, at least for now the WATCH mobile unit will be able to continue the good it does for so many people in need of affordable health care. The game of political football that was played with the organization is over, at least for this season.

Published in Editorials on August 18, 2016 10:15 AM