Wood County health board members agreed to pursue more than $146,000 which was turned down by the former
health commissioner without the consent of the board.
Rejecting funds the District Advisory Council, an advisory board made up of municipal and township
representatives from across the county, was the reason the board accepted the resignation of its chief
health official, Pamela Butler, on June 11.
It’s unclear why Butler turned down the money, which had supported the health district’s annual budget
for years, but several board members said it simply was not her decision to make.
The board called a special meeting Monday to pass a new 2015 estimated budget, requested by county
Auditor Michael Sibbersen, who mentioned the possibility the money could still be obtained, said board
member Richard Strow.
Strow explained that when Butler turned down the funds in March, "one of the things she made a
colossal mistake in forgetting to do" was turning in written notice rejecting the money.
"That was never done, and so that opens the door for us to pursue these funds with the
auditor," Strow said.
"I don’t think there’s any guarantees here. … Fortunately Pam not only made one mistake, but she
made two, and the second one may save us on this."
Also Monday, the board discussed the draft of a new position description as it pursues candidates to fill
Butler’s position. The board also moved to renew the authority of Brad Espen and Amy Jones, directors of
the environmental and nursing departments, who have performed the interim duties of the health
commissioner.
Board member Betty Woods said the draft description should be altered to give the commissioner more
disciplinary authority, suggesting that the board would be "micromanaging" whoever fills the
position.
Board president Fleming Fallon said he was worried about "lag" if someone were to be subject to
discipline well before the board was to meet again and could take action.
Carrie Leathers of the Wood County Prosecutor’s Office, as well as county Prosecutor Paul Dobson himself,
were present Monday to clarify that the commissioner could be given permission to take "immediate
but temporary" disciplinary action, but that the board itself is the appointing authority and
should thus retain control over hiring and firing.
Separately, the board agreed to pursue a one-year extension as the deadline draws near to submit
accreditation documents to the Public Health Accreditation Board.