Health Officer

Bernie McGee
Phone: 802-483-6697
E-mail: bemcgee@comcast.net

The Town Health Officer (THO) is recommended by Town Government Officials and appointed by the Vermont Commissioner of Health for a three-year term. The role of the THO is defined in the Vermont State Statutes, Title 18, Chapter 11 (18VSA Ch. 11 §§ 601-624).

Vermont statutes give THO’s the authority to investigate and mitigate any potential or existing public health hazard in the town. Each town has a local board of health, made up of the Selectboard & THO. The Town Health officer investigates all complaints, and has authority to take emergency mitigation steps, and may enforce and state health regulations and local health ordinances in their town.

The THO investigates issues related to:

VT Rental Housing Codes in regard to sanitation facilities, rubbish issues, insects, rodents and heating
sewage/septic system issues
lead paint laws
asbestos issues
follow ups on reported animal bites and work jointly with animal control when required.