Hospital budget, tax rate adopted
By Melinda L. Lucas
The main reason for a mid-week meeting of the Shackelford County Hospital Board was to adopt the budget and tax rate, but directors ended up with several other big items on the Sept. 20 agenda, including the resignation of a board member, appointment of two directors, and raises for clinic staff.
Ten minutes into the 5:00 p.m. meeting, following the required budget and tax rate hearings, during which no one spoke, the board went into a brief closed session to “review a complaint.” When they emerged, they accepted the written resignation of board member Mary Beth Jones, who was not present, on a motion by Jason Price, seconded by Maggie Viertel.
No other details about the complaint were disclosed.
Budget, Tax Rate
The proposed budget of $4,369,224, combining expenditures for the district administration, EMS, health clinic, and pharmacy, was unanimously approved on a motion by Price, seconded by Viertel.
The proposed budget includes $75,000 for a new ambulance chassis, 5% salary increases for district employees who have not already received recent raises, insurance increases, and cost of drugs.
Price also made the motion to adopt a tax rate of 19.55 cents, seconded by Mike Folsom and passed unanimously.
The 19.55-cent rate, which is higher than last year’s rate of 19.24 cents, is calculated to generate $1,230,195 and is the maximum rate allowed without voter approval.
In a related motion, Price was authorized to pursue purchase of a 4-door, 4-wheel drive GMC ambulance chassis, which will be ready in December, but paid for a month later to fall in the next budget year.
New Board Members
With one board seat already vacant and a second created by Jones’s resignation that night, directors considered the five community members present at the meeting who were interested in obtaining one of the positions, including James Breeden, Annette Harris, David Henry, Tracy Sargent, and Tiffany Waddell.
After taking a vote by secret ballot, it was determined that the unexpired terms will be filled by Breeden and Henry. Both will be required to run for election next spring if they wish to continue serving.
They will be sworn in at the next meeting.
Clinic Raises
During the clinic meeting, the board again went into closed session to review evaluations for the clinic staff.
When they opened after only about 20 minutes, a motion passed to give 5% across-the-board raises to clinic employees in accordance with the budget.
The directors also approved a new contract for nurse practitioner Claire Ware.
Board president Jo Ann Estridge said that because of time limitations, evaluations will be continued next month.
In other business, administrator Brandi Green reported that Joel Viertel will replace the A/C unit at the clinic.
Price read two letters recently received praising district employees Travis Wilburn and Mateo Millan.
