Tarrant County Public Health is evaluating two dozen positions for potential cuts due to insufficient grant funds.
“Dr. Byrd assures these budget considerations will not affect Tarrant County Public Health’s core functions in any way,” Bill Hanna, Tarrant County’s public information officer, said in a statement, per the Fort Worth Report.
Dr. William Brian Byrd took over as the public health director in July and has been working with staff on how to address the potential budgeting shortfall.
The previous public health director, Veerinder Taneja, resigned earlier this year after County Administrator Chandler Merritt alleged the director had “created an irreparable level of distrust in your ability to satisfactorily perform the duties of your position,” as previously reported by The Dallas Express. In 2022, more than a dozen Tarrant County Public Health employees claimed the department’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was “toxic.”
Employees specifically leveled complaints against Taneja and Deputy Director Angela Hagy. The Tarrant County Human Resources Department initiated a review after a former employee complained of “pervasive and persistent bullying” within the health department.
Hanna said any employees impacted by the potentially upcoming staffing cuts are encouraged to apply for other open positions within the health department.
An anonymous employee told the Fort Worth Report that affected employees were encouraged to update their resumes and LinkedIn pages. More than 20 employees now have an “open to work” profile photo. The news outlet reported that workers there were notified they would receive an update in the next several weeks.
The Dallas Express reached out to Byrd but did not receive on-the-record comment by publication.