Cleveland to Hire Temporary Specialists for Public Health Inspections

Cleveland's Department of Public Health is moving to bolster its environmental safety inspections through a new staffing agreement. Under the emergency ordinance designated as File No. 585-2026, the Director of Public Health is authorized to contract with the Ohio Public Health Association to bring in temporary Registered Environmental Health Specialists (REHS) to support the Division of Environment. This initiative aims to address short-term staffing needs to ensure local health standards are consistently met.

According to the 585-2026 Legislative Summary- 2026 CDPH_OPHA Contractor, these specialists will perform several critical field duties. Their work includes conducting inspections of licensed retail food establishments, food service operations, schools, and fat, oil, and grease (FOG) sites to enforce the Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code. Additionally, the specialists will inspect public swimming pools, spas, and special use pools to ensure they comply with state sanitation and safety requirements. The contract, which is funded through the Environment General Fund, is set for a term from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with an option for the Director to renew it for one additional year. The total contract amount is not to exceed $100,000.

The ordinance has officially passed City Council. As the contract period begins, residents can look for continued enforcement of food safety and pool maintenance standards within the city.

Source record

File
585-2026
Type
Emergency Ordinance
Status
Passed
Committee
City Council
Introduced
May 6, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar

Official documents

Sources