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Board discusses possible raises

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By Melinda L. Lucas

Salaries for both clinic and ambulance workers were the main topic of discussion at a Wednesday night meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital District board of directors, delayed from the usual date of Monday, May 16 because of a conflict.

Four of the seven directors, elected in the recent May 7 election, were sworn in for two-year terms at the beginning of the session, including incumbent Myra Hise along with Kayla Herron, Mary Beth Jones, and Jason Price.

Jo Ann Estridge was then reelected to serve another year as board president, Mike Folsom as vice president, and Myra Hise as closed session secretary.

Salary Discussion

EMS director Mateo Millan advocated for raises for the ambulance staff, stating that the current $11 to $16 per hour pay for EMTs, intermediates, and paramedics is about $5/hour less than most comparable size services in the area.

“It’s difficult to recruit with the current salaries, and we’re at critical staffing levels.” said Millan, who proposed raising the hourly rates to $15, $18, and $22.

“We have had several people train here and leave because there are such lucrative opportunities elsewhere,” he said. “What I’m asking for wouldn’t be excessive. I know there’s a certain budget for this environment.”

Millan was asked to come up with a budget impact projection and present it at the next meeting.

Several employees presented requests for individual raises in separate closed sessions during the district and clinic portions of the meeting, but those requests were tabled until the June 20 meeting.

Other Business

•Pharmacist Eric Neal asked for and received permission to go back to working four days a week, with a relief pharmacist coming in for the other day.

•Votes were canvassed and approved for the May 7 board election.

•District administrator Brandi Green reported on repairs being made in the clinic, and also explained the appointment schedule for lab work and patients, stating that it has been more efficient than the former walk-in schedule.