By HOLLY GASKILL
Wells County Commissioners have made three appointments to the Board of Health, two of which are new to the board.
During their regular meeting on Monday, the commissioners unanimously approved three board members — Dr. Bartholomew Hott and Tamara Troutt, who are new to the board, and Ann McNabb, who was up for re-appointment. Tom Longenberger, current board member, did not re-apply for his position.
The commissioners expressed a desire to make appointments of “qualified” individuals with medical backgrounds. Hott, who is a Bluffton dentist, will fill the board’s vacancy for a second doctor. Troutt is also a licensed physician’s assistant working with Parkview Health, and McNabb is a nurse.
The remaining board members are Chris Esterling, Steven Bales, Dr. Mary Donley and Molly Hoag.
Recent updates in the Indiana Code permit the County Council to make an appointment to the health board, whereas the commissioners used to be solely responsible. Commissioner Jeff Stringer asked Council member Steve Huggins, who was present, if the council would permit the commissioners to fill the three current vacancies to bring more medical experience to the board.
In exchange, Stringer offered that the council could make an appointment with the next member’s term expiration. Bales’ and Donley’s terms end on Dec. 31, 2024.
Huggins emphasized he couldn’t speak on behalf of the council, but that there had been discussion regarding a qualified candidate they had in mind.
The board’s final meeting of the year is 6:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21. A hearing regarding the potential removal of Health Officer Dr. Kay Johnson is scheduled for 8 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20.
The commissioners also made a series of appointments to multiple boards but deferred three decisions.
Firstly, the commissioners postponed appointments to Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Wells County Economic Development as a result of ongoing conversations regarding a contract with the organizations. Stringer currently represents the commissioners for economic development and Gerber for the chamber.
Additionally, with the departure of county engineer Nate Rumschlag, the commissioners will have to appoint a new Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator. Rumschlag, who happened to be present Monday, advised very little was required of the role, aside from annual training.
Rumschlag suggested the county consider Public Information Officer LeAnne Gibbs-Wyss, but Commissioner Mike Vanover said she would not have time as a part-time employee. Vanover suggested building manager Bobbie Studebaker, and Rumschlag said Studebaker would have to become more involved with the other county buildings.
The commissioners advised they would contact prospective options and revisit the topic in January. Their first meeting of 2024 will be 5 p.m. Jan. 2.
Other board appointments made during the meeting were:
• Nathan Shrock and Ben Beer to the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (one-year term)
• Trent Markley to the Rockcreek Conservancy District (four-year term)
• Gerber, Stacy Herrold and Olimpia Gerber to the Community Correction advisory board (four-year term)
• Janessey Kline to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (one-year term)
• Tim Rohr and Tyson Brooks to the Area Plan Commission (one-year term)
• Connie Brubaker to the Cemetery Board (five-year term)
• Mike Lautzenheiser to the Poka-Bache Connector Task Force (one-year term)
• Jeff Reed to the Wells County Convention and Tourism Commission (two-year term)
• Douglas Sundling to the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission (two-year term)
• Laura Dalrymple, Shari Duncan and Diana Collins to the Sick Bank Committee (one-year term)
• Mike Miller as 911 director, Rick Velasquez as emergency management director, Shawn Bonar as highway supervisor, Roger Richardson as IT director and Dewey Randall as veterans officer (one-year terms)
holly@news-banner.com
