By HOLLY GASKILL
The Wells County Health Board held a special meeting Wednesday after two full-time employees resigned this month.
These resignations included the Health Department administrator, Trica Ross, who had filled the position following Marlene Hoag’s retirement last fall. Ryan Bennett, the environmental health specialist, also resigned.
Amidst these vacancies, the board unanimously approved hiring Hoag as an interim administrator. They also approved member Chris Esterling to work with the County Council and County Attorney Ted Storer to determine a contract for the position.
Commissioner Jeff Stringer, who was in attendance, stated Hoag should return to assess and address the Health Department’s issues. Hoag had 37 years of experience with the department before her retirement.
With this, the board decided to let Hoag determine how to fill the current staffing needs and restructure as needed. The environmental specialist position is currently vacant and, according to Dr. Kay Johnson, the department needs a full-time vital records position.
According to Stringer, Hoag expressed interest in having Bennett return to his previous role with the intention of moving into more administrative duties. Johnson also recommended this solution. Additionally, Johnson stated that the current part-time vital records employee, Kylie Rolston, has been serving full-time without the same benefits.
Board member Steven Bales wanted Hoag to assess the position before making changes since Hoag had previously filled that role, and the other board members agreed. To this, Stringer noted that Hoag had absorbed other responsibilities because of her years of experience, but this wasn’t always the right approach.
“I think we did her a disservice in the long run — she was the lowest-paid person in the department,” Stringer said.
The board also discussed leadership and support as the core issue within the department.
Subsequently, Stringer said they should have patience as Hoag assesses where the Health Department’s position. The board approved her interim position for no less than 90 days, possibly extending to six months.
All board members were present for the special meeting.
holly@news-banner.com
