EMS director search committee appointed

The Shackelford County Hospital Board met Monday, July 21 to cover a wide range of business, including clinic operations, financial reports, and plans for future voting systems.

Simon Saenz of Hart Intercivic presented a demonstration of a new voting system designed to meet updated state and federal guidelines. The system includes paper backups, ADA accessibility, and curbside voting features. While board members responded positively to the presentation, they voted to table the purchase until after the start of the new year to avoid additional costs during the current budget cycle.

Financial reports for both the clinic and the hospital district were reviewed and approved. Notable expenses included $116,587 for insurance coverage, over $7,600 in employee health benefits, and rising costs for medical supplies and radiology services. A motion was approved to pay the district’s annual share of a $24,000 contract with Air Evac. 

In clinic business, board members discussed employee evaluations for part-time staff. While members generally agreed that department heads should handle evaluations internally, the board supported a continued practice of awarding uniform raises to all staff. 

The board discussed January’s unusually high claims, which were attributed to flu season and the annual Stock Show.

A new committee was formed to review applications for EMS director. Jason Price will serve as chairman, with Karen Cox, Annette Harris, Brandi Green, and Regina Whitt also serving on the panel.

Other actions included appointing Anita Jackson to the Finance Committee and scheduling a budget workshop for August 5 at 6 p.m. Board members also discussed the $25,000 opioid abatement fund during the district report, but no action was taken since it was not listed on the agenda. The meeting adjourned following discussions about internet service consolidation and EMS facility updates.