The Greenwood County Commission addressed concerns about Greenwood County Hospital’s (GWCH) financial condition during its May 11 meeting, while also approving equipment purchases, personnel matters and routine county business.
Greenwood County resident Mike Pitko addressed commissioners, emphasizing the importance of the county-owned hospital to the community and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
“No one in this room wants to see the hospital closed,” Pitko said, noting the hospital is one of the county’s largest employers. He added that without detailed financial reports from individual departments, it is difficult to determine what corrective action may be necessary.
“Time is not on our side,” Pitko said. “We need to give this immediate attention.”
Commissioner Roy Ballard expressed frustration with the current situation, stating, “We can’t just sit here and let them sink.”
County Counselor Paul Dean noted the commission appoints members to the hospital board, which is intended to operate independently.
The commission plans to invite GWCH Board of Trustees’ chair Cinda Beals to attend a future meeting to discuss the hospital’s status.
Commissioners also discussed updates to the county pay scale. It was noted that contradictions within the policy still need to be corrected before final approval. Tiered job descriptions remain another issue delaying completion.
Commission Chair Preston Evenson said he would like the county to create a brochure outlining frequently asked questions and detailing responsibilities handled by each county department.
In other business, commissioners were informed that preliminary numbers indicate the Greenwood County Appraiser’s Office is in compliance with state requirements.
Debi Selfridge, interim Noxious Weed director, presented three bids for a new spray truck. Commissioners approved the low bid from Don Hatten Chevrolet totaling $78,016.13. The package included a cab and chassis, flatbed, bumper with grill guard, spray equipment, installation, spray logger and yearly fee components. Other bids included Parks Motors (Dodge) at $79,972.13 and Rusty Eck Ford at $82,087.13.
Commissioners also received correspondence from Linda Snyder regarding the vacant director position at the Senior Center following Nancy Mock’s retirement. Based on the recommendation submitted, the commission approved appointing Kelly Kirkpatrick to the parttime position.
The commission approved employment verifications for Walker Wade, hired as a full-time sign employee in the Road and Bridge Department at $15.45/hour, and Taelyn Huffman, hired as an appraisal clerk in the Appraiser’s Office at $15.75/hour.
Also approved were the May 4 meeting minutes, special payables for May 11 totaling $12,106.32, regular payables for May 15 totaling $167,083.59 and regular payroll for May 15 totaling $159,354.64.
The commissioners held the monthly Eureka Township meeting following adjournment of the weekly commission meeting.
The next Greenwood County Commission meeting will be held Monday, May 18, at 9 a.m., followed by a road viewing in Otter Creek Township at 11 a.m.
