Hospital board reelects officers, debates audit delays
By Melinda L. Lucas
The Shackelford County Hospital District Board elected its officers Monday during a regular meeting, with Jason Price returning as president, James Breeden as vice president and new member Karin Cox as secretary.
The meeting began with a prayer led by Pastor Brad McBee and included the swearing-in of new and re-elected board members Jo Ann Estridge, Karin Cox, and Ami Davis for two-year terms and Mike Folsom for a one-year unexpired term.
Directors approved the district’s amended 2025 bylaws, along with minutes and financial statements from previous meetings.
Board members authorized the renewal of a certificate of deposit at First Financial Bank and approved the opening of an interest-bearing ICS account at Clear Fork Bank to boost returns on district funds. A resolution was also passed to update the list of authorized signers on the district’s bank accounts.
Frustration over the district’s 2023 audit prompted lengthy discussion. Directors expressed concern over having paid more than $40,000 for the delayed audit. While there was interest in pursuing a new auditor, the board ultimately decided to table the issue for future consideration.
During the clinic portion of the meeting, administrators reported that 426 patients were seen by the nurse practitioner and 126 by nursing staff in April.
Directors voted to temporarily lift a hiring freeze to allow for the hiring of a clinic receptionist. A recent roof leak at the clinic was repaired free of charge by a local contractor.
EMS officials reported 26 responses during the month and outlined completed repairs to vehicles and equipment.
The board entered executive session late in the meeting to discuss potential disciplinary action against EMS Director Mateo Milan. After returning to open session, trustees called a special meeting for June 6 at 9 a.m. to consider further action.
They also unanimously voted to offer Milan a revised contract, with a response deadline of the special meeting date.
The board also approved an employee benefits package for Kayla Herron, with Breeden abstaining from the vote.
In anticipation of the next budget cycle, trustees plan to begin collecting departmental needs and requests ahead of a budget workshop in June.
