By Debra Messick

CAMBRIDGE - Since the Dorchester County office of Maryland Human Services moved into a new facility in Dorchester Square several years ago, its former headquarters at Race and Cedar Streets has stood vacant.

Soon, the three-story brick structure will again be a focal point for essential community services.

Just before concluding the Aug. 6 Dorchester County Council meeting, President George L. Pfeffer, Jr., announced that the county had closed on the building the week before, with plans for it to provide a new headquarters for the Health Department.

According to a deed filed at Circuit Court dated Aug. 2, Council settled the transaction with Leeward Holdings LLC, paying $6.1 million for the 627 Race Street property.

“The Health Department will be going into that building. It’s going to take some time. It will take a few months to get some computers moved,” Pfeffer said.

He then addressed Roger Harrell, the county’s Chief Public Health Official, seated among those attending the meeting.

“Roger, I know this has been a wish of yours for many, many years, to get yourself out of a building where you’ve dealt with mold issues, mildew, windows falling out, where you’ve had to interview people in mop closets over there. So hopefully now we can get you into a facility that’s great for the citizens and your employees,” he said.

According to a County press release, the acquisition is a first step in relocating the Health Department, a move prioritized by  "insufficient space and diminishing conditions at the current facility, to improve the Health Department's staff ability to provide effective and efficient services to Dorchester County citizens."

Next steps in the move will include minor renovations to meet service providers' needs as well as department technology and infrastructure.

"At this time,  the exact date when  the Health Department will begin providing services at the new location is fluid,  and largely dependent on  when the aforementioned steps are completed,"  according to the release provided by County Manager Jerry Jones.

Harrell responded with a brief thank you, but when asked later followed up with additional thoughts.

“Thank you to the council and county leadership for making this happen. The building has three times the space of the current Health Department, with up-to-date environmental systems,” he said.

“The building provides a healthy environment for our dedicated, resilient employees to continue to serve the community. I am excited they will now have the space and environment they deserve and have earned through their dedication of service to our community,” Harrell said.

The Health Department is currently located at 3 Cedar Street, with a satellite office at 10 Aurora Street.

Following Pfeffer’s announcement, Councilman Ricky Travers voiced his support for the move.

“I’m so glad, it’s been so long overdue, finally bringing to fruition putting the health department where it should be. I’m sorry your agency has had to work in the situation it’s been in, and ’m glad to see it finally moving forward in the right direction,” Travers said.

Council Vice President Mike Detmer agreed.