By Dennis Box

The Courier-Herald

A Tacoma/Pierce County Health Department resolution concerning fluoridation and an alternate oral health program has been tabled to the May 4 health board meeting.

Resolution 2005-3704 requires Pierce County water purveyors serving more than 5,000 people to either add fluoride to their water or participate in an alternate oral health program.

"Members of the board of health had some questions about the costs of the program," said Joby Winans, public information officer for the health department. "They wanted a few more weeks to look for other source of funding. Some of the cities do not have funding."

The Bonney Lake City Council voted March 8 to accept the alternate program, which includes education, screenings, dental sealants and fluoride varnishes for high-risk school children in the city's water service area.

"There is history that says we should be doing something," Councilman Jim Rackley said. "But I wish there was county-wide funding."

City officials estimated it will cost Bonney Lake $33,500 to implement the program.

The fluoride issue began in May 2002 when the health board first passed a resolution ordering water suppliers in Pierce County serving 5,000 customers or more to add fluoride to their water systems.

A court battle ensued ending last May in a 6-3 state Supreme Court ruling overturning the order on the basis water districts could not be ordered to fluoridate without being allowed to vote.

Bonney Lake's argument of forced medical treatment was not addressed, nor is the city a water district.

The city is a municipal water supplier. A water district is governed by a board of directors voted in by citizens of the district.

Director of Health Dr. Frederico Cruz-Uribe re-introduced a resolution in October 2004 mandating fluoridation for systems serving 5,000 people or more.

The board tabled the resolution while Cruz-Uribe worked out an alternate plan for cities and water districts. The director stated the dental health problem in the counties is serious and growing problem.

Winans said the health department has received letter from Milton and Sumner stating they can not afford to fund the alternate plan.

Puyallup and Edgewood have accepted the alternate plan along with Bonney Lake.

"The Board of Health is committed to this," Winans said. "If there is a way we want to do it."

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com.