Health Department members vote to donate monthly stipends
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on December 20, 2007 1:45 PM
The members of the Board of Health voted Wednesday to return their monthly stipends to the county, with the request that the money go to support the scholarship fund in the Health Department's annual abstinence essay contest.
This is not the first time the attempt has been made by the 11-member board. In 2005, board member Donna Edmundson introduced the idea when the scholarship fund was launched.
At the time, each member committed to returning their $15 a month compensation.
Recent changes to the laws relating to contractors -- deeming the Board of Health in that classification since they are paid each month -- warranted the discussion at this month's meeting.
Board member Steve Smith, who takes over as chairman in January, made the motion that the board no longer receive the monthly stipend "and serve because we serve."
The group also discussed how to go about designating the money for the essay contest scholarship fund.
Board member Efton Sager, who is also a member of the county commission, said such a request could be made of the commission.
"I think the county commissioners ought to see that as a goodwill gesture," said board member Dr. Michael Gooden.
Mrs. Edmundson, who departs this month after having served for 11 years, said it was a fitting note to leave on.
"I have tried for years to have the stipend used to pay for the scholarships," she said.