New hospital board member appointed

By Melinda L. Lucas

A county resident was appointed to the board of directors of the Shackelford County Hospital District at a brief specially scheduled May meeting on Wednesday, May 17.

The session was delayed two days because the regular third Monday date conflicted with the Albany ISD academic banquet.

At last week’s meeting, Maggie Viertel introduced herself to the four board members who were present, stating that she would like to be considered for the vacant seat on the board.

Leslie Belcher, who has been a director for about 10 years, opted not to run for reelection. The three other incumbents – Jo Ann Estridge, Mike Folsom, and Kraymer Harbold – were the only ones who filed for four positions, leaving a vacancy when Belcher’s term expired May 6.

The board has the option of appointing someone to fill the seat, with the appointee required to file for election at the next election date if he or she wishes to remain on the board.

After a brief discussion with Viertel, Mary Beth Jones made a motion to appoint her, seconded by Mike Folsom and passing unanimously. She will be sworn in at the June meeting.

New Ambulance

A motion made by Folsom and seconded by Myra Hise was approved to make a down payment on a new ambulance in order to “get the process started.”

Board members learned at the April meeting that a 2024 Chevrolet unit was estimated to cost $275,725 and would take roughly a year to complete.

The new ambulance will replace an aging 2009 vehicle that has had numerous mechanical problems.

Other Business

•EMS director Mateo Millan was given permission to order personal protective gear to be used during automobile accidents after local fire chief Joel Viertel told board members that the gear would allow EMS workers to engage with patients more quickly.

•A resolution was passed to add Harbold to the SCHD bank accounts.