By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors, Virginia Gay Hospital representatives and former members of the Benton County Board of Health met Thursday, Nov. 2, 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 withdrew its agreement.
Former board of health members said it was a “slap in the face” to be terminated, plus being accused of spending too much money.
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 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, they 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 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.
Jim Magdefrau 