Columbus, Georgia

The regular meeting of the Columbus Board of Health was held in the

Administrative Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Center on

Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at 1:00 P.M.



MEMBERS PRESENT:

H. Banks Carroll, M.D.

James A. Lawrence, D.D.S.

Isaiah Hugley, City Manager



MEMBERS ABSENT:

James H. Sullivan, M.D.

Howard Willis, M.D.

Mayor Bob Poydasheff

Marquette McKnight



OTHER PRESENT:

Zsolt Koppanyi, M.D.

Bill Rumer, Attorney

Ed Saidla

Margaret Gosden

Pam Middleton

Eileen Albritton

LaQuita Rogers

Cheryl Johnson

Sonya Cochran



Dr. Carroll called the meeting to order and asked for a motion to approve the

minutes of the last meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Hugley, seconded by Dr.

Lawrence and approved by those members present.



Dr. Carroll asked if there was any Old Business. He asked about the Action

List. Mr. Saidla stated that he is still trying to get someone from the

Department of Agriculture to attend a board meeting and give a brief

presentation about their procedures and policies on the inspection of

convenient stores, etc. that Dr. Willis has concerns about.



Dr. Carroll asked if there was any New Business. He asked Ms. Gosden to review

the FY2006 City Budget with the Board. She stated that the proposed Budget

copies were hand delivered to each Board Member. She has obtained Dr.

Sullivan?s approval on the budget. Ms. Gosden opened the discussion and stated

that if the Board Members have any questions, she would be glad to answer them.

She said the request to the City of Columbus is the same amount received this

fiscal year. Expenses eliminated from this budget, are those associated with

Primary Health Care. Dr. Crenshaw resigned and after much concern, we are not

able to recruit another physician to maintain this practice. The problem with

the success of this practice is the location of the clinic inside this

building. When we moved into this building, we knew there would be a confusion

of roles and benefits. Dr. Carroll asked if it would be beneficial if it were

free standing. Ms. Gosden stated that the expenses would be too great. Dr.

Carroll asked how many patients would be affected and Ms. Gosden stated less

than 1,500. She stated that some of these patients would be absorbed back into

the Diabetes and Hypertension Program. Ms. Gosden again referred to the budget

information and stated that this budget is the best estimate of what things

will be like in June, as a basis for a request for the City?s Budget Proposal.

It may look somewhat different in June. Dr. Lawrence asked what was last year?s

budget? Ms. Gosden stated $5.9 was last years and this year is $5.7. This is

the first time that the budget has actually gone down not quite a $200,000. Ms.

Gosden stated that the Medicaid would not be a problem until FY2007. because we

collect our fees the current year and budget the same in the next year. Ms.

Gosden asked if there were any questions. Ms. Gosden said that in addition to

the budget proposal, the amount for Columbus Regional?s rent estimate for the

health department?s space. It has increased by $2,000, which is based on FY2005

expenses, which of course include maintenance, and upkeep, their housekeeping

personnel, security cost. The major maintenance items are in a separate fund

that is not funded by the lease payments. Dr. Carroll asked if there was any

other discussion regarding the budget. Dr. Carroll asked for a motion to

approve the City Budget. Dr. Lawrence made a motion to accept the budget,

seconded by Mr. Hugley and approved by those members present along with the

approval from Dr. Sullivan.



Dr. Carroll informed the Board of three Excused Absences for today?s meeting.

Dr. Sullivan is ill, Dr. Willis is out of town and Ms. McKnight had a previous

meeting. Dr. Carroll asked for a motion to accept these Excused Absences. A

motion was made by Mr. Hugley, seconded by Dr. Lawrence and approved by those

members present.



Dr. Carroll asked for the Director?s Comments. Dr. Koppanyi stated that he is

planning to have spinal surgery on March 3rd. He plans to be on leave for

approximately three weeks and Dr. Paul Newel will cover for him for any medical

emergencies.

Dr. Koppanyi stated that Dr. Stuart Brown is the Acting Director and the DHR

Board officials are planning a visit to our district on April 2005.



Dr. Carroll called on Pam Middleton for the January 2005 financial report.



Dr. Carroll called on Sonya Cochran, Health Education/Interpreter Services to

present the presentation to the Board.



Dr. Carroll asked if there was any other business to bring before the Board.

There being no further business, the Board was adjourned.



Respectfully submitted,





_____________________

Pam Middleton, Secretary