WATERVILLE — As part of a larger overhaul of municipal services, Waterville is moving toward hiring a per diem public health officer as part of a public health board.
Maine law requires every municipality to have a public health officer. Waterville’s proposed position would add a second officer focused on coordinating hospitals, mental health providers, case managers, shelters and other community services.
Daniel Bradstreet, Waterville’s current health officer, is also the city’s code enforcement director.
The new position would be part time and devoted exclusively to public health.
Officials said the Waterville City Council will wait to set the fiscal 2027 budget, but has proposed $10,000 for the first year of operation, to be paid as needed.
Plans for a formal health board are on hold until a permanent health officer is named.
“Providing for the health of the residents of Waterville is becoming more and more something the city is taking on,” Councilor Rebecca Green, D-Ward 4, said.
She said she hopes the board would collaborate with community paramedicine programs, the Mid‑Maine Homeless Shelter & Services and others.
“Public health starts at the municipality,” Councilor Flavia DeBrito, D-Ward 2, said, referencing a conversation she had with local health care workers about improving Waterville’s public health services.
DeBrito has spearheaded several recent attempts to reform public health services.
Officials said the future of such services is a continuing focus as Waterville grows and health needs evolve.
