The Hamilton County Health Department is seeking seven additional staff positions, saying population growth has pushed demand for services back to — and in some cases beyond — levels before Fishers established its own health department in 2020.

In a Sept. 8 news release, the county department said increased workloads have strained staffing and filled its primary building to capacity.

“Many people assumed we would become a smaller organization,” said Jason LeMaster, the department’s administrator. “What we’ve experienced instead is tremendous growth that has stretched our staff, our building, and our resources.”

The department cited countywide population growth of nearly 9% since 2020, from approximately 349,000 residents to nearly 380,000. It also cited projections that the county will exceed 500,000 residents by 2050.

Demand has increased across environmental inspections, water quality programs, mosquito surveillance, vital records and community health services, according to the department.

Its Food Safety Program is handling its highest workload on record, the department said, as more restaurants, temporary food vendors and community events generate additional inspections and compliance responsibilities.

Space is another challenge. The department said seasonal employees, interns, public education programs and expanding services routinely exceed available workspace. Its Vector Control Program continues to operate from temporary facilities.

The seven positions were requested for the upcoming budget cycle. The release did not specify their cost or whether they have been approved.

The department is also pursuing state and federal grants to help cover rising costs for supplies, equipment and services. LeMaster said the department is prioritizing staffing requests while considering financial pressures on taxpayers and local government.