New Milford's Health Director has been working with the Pomperaug District Department of Health since that official was suspended in early June.  Now the two departments are looking to merge.  A presentation was made to the New Milford Town Council at this meeting Monday night by VMC Consulting. 

The combined departments would be known as the Houstatonic Valley Health District.  They have been sharing staff and resources since August. 

The Pomperaug District--which covers Washington, Southbury, Oxford and Woodbury--was investigated following allegations against longtime director Neal Lustig by an employee.  The investigation found that the department had wide-ranging, systemic and cultural problems. 

New Milford Health Director Lisa Morrissey told the Town Council she would spend three days in New Milford and two in Pomperaug each week.  A public hearing will be held January 10th so New Milford residents can weigh in on the matter.

If the merger goes through, the department could leverage state funding, an incentive for regionalizing.