EMS director out after heated board meeting
After a prolonged and often heated meeting marked by public outcry, board deliberations, and legal discussion, the Shackelford County Hospital District board concluded that EMS Director Mateo Millan would not continue in his role. The outcome followed Millan’s decision to decline both employment options presented by the board—one as full-time EMS director under a new contract and the other as a paramedic at the board-approved hourly rate.
Although Millan was not formally terminated, no agreement was reached on continued employment, leading to a severance offer and his departure. Supporters of Millan have described the outcome as a firing, while board members have maintained that he declined both available positions, making the separation voluntary.
Millan, who has served in the dual role of EMS director and paramedic since 2020, cited a significant pay cut and lack of clarity in the proposed contracts as reasons for his refusal. “The offer was for $20,000 less than I currently make and eliminated overtime,” he told the board during the public portion of the meeting. “It doesn’t reflect the hours I work or the responsibilities I carry.”
The meeting began with more than half a dozen public comments, all in support of Millan, including remarks from paramedics, community members, and Millan’s wife, Mina Aguilar, who resigned from her role with the EMS during her statement. Several speakers expressed frustration with the board and praised Millan’s leadership, calling his departure a loss for the community.
Millan himself addressed the board during the meeting, raising concerns over what he described as ongoing retaliation tied to a 2024 dispute with a board member over handling of employee records. He also questioned the eligibility of Board President Jason Price to serve simultaneously on the hospital board and the Moran ISD school board, referencing a 2015 legal opinion issued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. In that case, the Attorney General concluded that a person could not legally serve on both the La Vernia Independent School District board and the Wilson County Memorial Hospital District board due to overlapping jurisdiction and conflicting responsibilities between two taxing entities. Citing this precedent, Millan argued that Price’s dual service may present a legal conflict.
Price recused himself from Friday’s meeting shortly after the matter was raised, allowing the board to continue without his participation. Contrary to some public claims, Price did not resign.
After more than two hours in a closed executive session, the board returned to open session and voted to offer Millan a two-week severance package and accrued paid time off, since he declined both employment options. Board members Mike Folsom, Annette Harris, Ami Davis, and Karen Cox voted in favor of severance, while Jo Ann Estridge abstained.
Board members and legal counsel John Montgomery referenced salary comparisons from similarly sized counties and EMS administrative structures to support the proposed changes to Millan’s compensation. However, the conversation also exposed a lack of clarity among board members regarding key aspects of Millan’s responsibilities, including his schedule, pay structure, and the regulatory requirements tied to his dual role. When asked specific questions, board members at times appeared unsure how his departure would impact staffing levels and state compliance. Millan cautioned that without a licensed paramedic designated as the administrator of record, the district would fall out of compliance with Texas requirements for operating an Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulance—an issue he said he would be required to report to the Department of Health.
June 9 Board Meeting
A special meeting was held Monday, June 9, to appoint an interim EMS director and to address legal concerns surrounding Board President Jason Price’s eligibility to serve while also elected to the Moran ISD board. The meeting began with a closed session to consult legal counsel. When the board reconvened, attorney John Montgomery provided a detailed explanation of the situation, clarifying that Price never officially qualified to serve on the Moran school board. Although he was unopposed in the election, a error resulted in his name being left off the ballot entirely. As a result, Price was never voted on by the public and was not formally appointed by the school board.
Montgomery further explained that the required oath of office—typically signed and filed with the Secretary of State and the board president—was never completed or submitted. Without the oath, Price could not legally assume the position. During the last Moran ISD board’s meeting, it was acknowledged that the paperwork had not been handled and that the matter would need to be addressed at a later date. Before that could happen, Price withdrew his name from consideration after learning of the potential legal conflict with his existing role on the hospital board.
With no formal assumption of office and no signed oath on record, Montgomery said the issue was resolved and Price would continue in his current role as president of the Shackelford County Hospital District board.
Roughly 15 people attended the June 9 meeting, but no one spoke during the public comment period.
The board then entered a second closed session to discuss the appointment of an interim EMS director. Upon returning to open session, the board announced that Colby Herron will serve as interim EMS director through August 19. Herron, an Albany native, has been with Shackelford County EMS since 2018. Chris McDonald was appointed as the Administrator of Record, fulfilling state requirements to maintain Advanced Life Support status.
Open Board Positions
Additionally, it was noted that SCHD Vice President James Breeden resigned the previous week, leaving a vacancy on the board. On June 10, board member Jo Ann Estridge also resigned, creating a second open seat. The board is now looking to appoint two Shackelford County residents to fill the vacancies. Those interested in being considered should visit Regina Whitt at the district office to complete the necessary paperwork. Appointees will be expected to speak at the next hospital board meeting—scheduled for June 16 at 6 p.m.—on why they believe they are a good fit for the role.
