Number
120188
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BOHL
Title
Resolution authorizing the transfer and expenditure of funds within the Milwaukee Water Works to create an oral health program for medically-underserved children.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the transfer of funds, in the amount of $540,000, used for the fluoridation of water distributed by the Milwaukee Water Works to a new account to create the "To Every Child a Healthy Smile" program, an oral health program for medically-underserved children in the City.
Body
Whereas, In 1953, the Common Council voted to add fluoride to the water supply at a time when Milwaukee had a serious problem of tooth decay and, unlike today, fluoridated tooth pastes, gels and mouthwash were not readily available; and
Whereas, Fluoridation is unethical as individuals are not asked for their informed consent prior to medication, as is standard practice for the administration of all other medications; and
Whereas, Medically-underserved children are often without dental care due to the economic constraints dentists experience as a result of low reimbursement rates through Medicare programs such as BadgerCare; and
Whereas, As a result, low-income children have less access to dental care, less preventive measures and less access to education, all of which contribute to oral health problems; and
Whereas, Statistics show that out of about 111,000 Medicaid-eligible children in Milwauke County, only about 21,000 children have received dental exams; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Water Works estimates the cost for 2012 of introducing sodium silicofluoride or other fluoride compounds into water distributed by the Milwaukee Water Works to be $540,000; and
Whereas, The Milwaukee Water Works Account No. 632000-Fund No. 0410-Dept. No. 6412-Program No. 5221-Class No. R999-Year 2012 and Account No. 632000-Fund No. 0410-Dept. No. 6416-Program No. 5222-Class No. R999-Year 2012, have an approximate combined existing balance of $2.8 million; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the City Comptroller is directed to establish that appropriate account within the Milwaukee Water Works entitled "To Every Child a Healthy Smile" program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is directed to transfer the amount of $270,000 from the Milwaukee Water Works Account No. 632000-Fund No. 0410-Dept. No. 6412-Program No. 5221-Class No. R999-Year 2012 to the account established for the "To Every Child a Healthy Smile" program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the City Comptroller is directed to transfer the amount of $270,000 from the Milwaukee Water Works Account No. 632000-Fund No. 0410-Dept. No. 6416-Program No. 5222-Class No. R999-Year 2012 to the account established for the "To Every Child a Healthy Smile" program; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Superintendent of the Water Works is directed, in collaboration with the Commissioner of the Milwaukee Health Department, to establish guidelines related to the "To Every Child a Healthy Smile" program for the expenditure of funds to provide oral healthcare for medically-underserved children in the City; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Superintendent of the Water Works and the Commissioner of the Milwaukee Health Department are authorized to enter into such contracts and agreements as necessary to accomplish the intent and purpose of this resolution; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the appropriate City officials are authorized to seek Public Service Commission approval for the expenditure of funds to provide oral healthcare for medically-underserved children in the City through the "To Every Child a Healthy Smile" program.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB139299-1
Amy E. Hefter
5/21/2012