|
No final decision yet on jail medical director |
|
|
Tuesday, 25 March 2008 |
A decision still has not been reached on the physician who will contract as medical director of the Saline County Detention Center.
Justice of the Peace Sharon Riggan, R-Benton, said this morning that county officials could make a decision later today or Wednesday.
Riggan initially said she expected the position to be filled last week.
The choice is among three physicians, one of whom has already declined, Riggan said.
The jail, which opened 18 months ago in south Benton, has not had a medical director. Last week, the Quorum Court adopted an ordinance permitting the county to contract with a medical director at a cost of $36,000 annually.
There was debate among JPs about whether to table discussion of funding for a medical director until a new sheriff takes office in January 2009. Sheriff Phil Mask is not seeking re-election and JPs said the new sheriff may have specific thoughts about the medical director’s position.
Riggan noted that it will be nine months before a new sheriff takes office. Jail standards require the county to contract with the services of a physician, she said.
The jail nurse will receive orders from the medical director.
Toni James is the detention center nurse. She was hired Feb. 19 and is paid $25 per hour.
Regarding another new county position, an area man likely will accept the duties of information technology specialist soon. The Quorum Court also approved funding for this position at its meeting last week, authorizing a $41,000 annual salary.
The IT specialist will be responsible for the maintenance of the county’s computer system. The county has about 175 computers plus servers.
County Judge Lanny Fite said, “Right now, if we have a computer problem, we have to contract with a company to come in at a cost of $90 per hour. That can get expensive.”
In other county news, officials and department heads met Monday night to discuss budget matters, specifically regarding salaries of some employees.
“They (county officials) just provided their wish list,” Christy Young, county personnel manager, said.
She said the Finance and Personnel Committee will meet Monday to vote on the proposals.
Work on the new sheriff’s office at the jail on Neeley Street began this week, Fite said. The sheriff’s administrative offices are expected to move in November.
The current administrative offices on Main Street will be home to the county’s new circuit judge.
|
Razorbacks
