By HOLLY GASKILL
Commissioner Jeff Stringer has asked the County Council to consider a new administrative position with the Health Department.
During their meeting Tuesday, Stringer stated he was present on behalf of the commissioners, who would like the council to consider the option during their budget review. The county council is scheduled to begin reviewing the 2024 budget on Thursday.
Stringer advised the position could fulfill the administrative responsibilities of interim administrator Marlene Hoag and the environmental health specialist vacancy. Given qualifications and experience, Stringer proposed the role’s salary could be up to $75,000. An assistant, Stringer suggested, would support the administrative responsibilities.
A similar solution was discussed at the health board’s June 28 meeting when they approved Hoag as interim. However, the board tabled the discussion until Hoag could evaluate the department’s needs. On Tuesday, Stringer stated he had spoken with Hoag about the position but not yet with the board.
“There are some things that we’d like to see happen, but obviously, we’re not on the board, but we have some influence and responsibility at the end of the day,” Stringer said.
Stringer then proposed Ryan Bennett, who resigned as the environmental health specialist in June, would be a strong candidate. Council member Steve Huggins said he received calls wanting Bennett to return to the department.
Huggins also asked if there were precedents for this combination of responsibilities, and Stringer said he wasn’t aware of any. However, Stringer emphasized the department has two full-time vacant positions for two months.
Stringer praised Hoag for working diligently as an interim administrator but expressed concern if they continued to lean too heavily on her.
“There are some things I’m asking that she might not support, and that’s fine — we have our different views,” Stringer said. “What I am worried about is that (Hoag) gets fed up at some point, and then she walks out, and we’re starting from scratch.”
Reiterating his statement from the commissioners’ meeting Monday, Stringer said he wants to see the health board take a more active role in solving these issues. Also on Monday, the Board of Commissioners instructed County Attorney Ted Storer to review their options for replacing a health board member with a commissioner.
Commissioner Blake Gerber, who was also present for the council meeting, said he fully supported Stringer’s statements.
The health board contains six members: Ann McNabb, Tom Longenberger, Molly Hoag, Dr. Mary Donley, Steve Bales, and Christopher Esterling. There is also a vacancy for a doctor position on the board. Their next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Wells County Annex.
holly@news-banner.com
