Health board insulted by supervisors’ accusations

VINTON – Former Board of Health members said during a meeting with Benton County Supervisors that it was a “slap in the face” to be terminated and accused of spending too much money.

The Benton County Board of Supervisors, Virginia Gay Hospital representatives and former members of the Benton County Board of Health met Thursday to review a new proposal for health services in Benton County, and find why the entire board of health was terminated by the supervisors.

After 90 minutes of discussion, Virginia Gay Hospital withdrew its agreement.

In the mean time, Benton County does have a public health director who is currently working out of the service center.

It was agreed the next step had to be the appointment of a board of health. Former board members also asked that a hearing be held on why they were terminated by the supervisors, after the health board had done what the supervisors wanted them to do.

Once a board of health is in place, it will look at different options for subcontracting.

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman asked what could be done to remedy this and move forward. Former board members indicated that the first step is reinstating the health board.

Seeman asked if they would reapply for the board. Former member Braxton Morrison answered, “You slapped us in the face once. We’re not going to reapply.”

In withdrawing the proposed agreement, Virginia Gay’s Michele Schoonover said it’s not worth sullying Virginia Gay’s reputation.

Earlier this year the supervisors dismissed the five members of the Benton County Board of Health who had given options for health services.

Last week, Sue Wilber, of human resources, reviewed the new proposed contract. She asked that action be tabled until Thursday morning, so hospital representation could be present.

This also gave the supervisors more time to review the draft.

When asked if the public could see the proposed agreement, Supervisor Richard Primmer said this is not a signed agreement, so it is not available to the public. The statement was based on advice from the county attorney, who was not at the meeting.

“Our hands are tied,” Primmer said.

The supervisors quietly read the proposal. No action was taken.

Former board of health member Maggie Mangold talked about a timeline regarding the board of health and its budget, as well as the relationship between the county, board of health and Virginia Gay, and who has the authority to enter into a contract on public health.

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman asked that Mangold come to the meeting Thursday morning.

Kurt Karr, of Vinton, said that the supervisors are tasked with the responsibility of keeping the well being and safety of all of the residents of Benton County. The county had a highly qualified volunteer board of health, he said.

Why was 77% of the money the county was providing for public health going to non-public health expenditures? Karr asked.

The result of pursuing this question had the board of health terminated, not as employees, but as volunteers. Now they have a contract to enter in that same arrangement with the entity that was expending funds the way that they were.

There were also questions as to when the closed session was held regarding the board of health terminations.

Primmer stressed the county is not without public health people.

As the meeting ended, Seeman stated, “What it comes down to, we’re trying to save the taxpayers’ money.”