Members of the Texas County Commission handled personnel matters and continued to work on a plan to reduce energy costs during a June 13 meeting.
Members heard that Wanda Etchason, a nurse with Advanced Correctional Healthcare, a Peoria, Ill., firm that provides services at the county jail, was terminated. Mark Etchason, arriving for the first time since his wife’s termination, was fired Wednesday, June 13, by the jail administrator, David Jones, who began May 21 and replaced Jennifer Tomaszewski, who became a road deputy. Etchason was the longest serving jailer in the facility.
According to minutes of the county commission, the Etchasons said they are seeking legal counsel.
In other personnel matters, the commission learned that William J. Kuisel was hired as a part-time jailer June 14. The pay is $9.50 per hour. Cheyenne Story was fired on June 11.
In other matters, commissioners:
—Met with consultants as they work on a plan to create energy savings at the Texas County Administrative Center and Texas County Justice Center. Commissioners are seeking bids for the installation of a computerized temperature control system for both buildings. Ben Trout and Jonathan Williams of EPM Inc. attended.
—Are continuing talks with TCMH CEO Wes Murray concerning healthcare provided to inmates at the Texas County Jail. Earlier, the hospital’s board of trustees changed the policy after recording about $200,000 in unpaid bills. Other than emergency care, no treatment is extended. According to the minutes, some points were resolved, and discussions continue.
—Signed an application for the county to become a member of the Missouri Farmers Care program, “Agri-Ready, which is a designation to promote counties that support Missouri farmers and Missouri’s economic interests in agriculture.
—Sent letters of support for two grants. One is for Greater Ozarks Center for Advanced Technology (Gocat), West Plains, for building renovations and manufacturing programs. The other was for Ozark Artery, which would develop arts and economic development in a seven-county region, including Texas County.
—Met with Prosecutor Parke Stevens Jr. on several issues.
—Were given a records request by George Sholtz.
—Heard from James Strause regarding tax assessments and penalties.