The regular meeting of the Columbus Board of Health was held in the
Administration Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Center on
Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at 1:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jim Wetherington, Mayor
Mrs. Brenda Dozier
Howard Willis, M. D.
Banks H. Carroll, M. D.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
James A. Lawrence, D.D.S.
Isaiah Hugley, City Manager
OTHERS PRESENT:
Dr. Zsolt Koppanyi
Ed Saidla
Margaret Gosden
Eileen Albritton
Pam Middleton
Karon Bush
Sheila Mayfield
Pam Fair
Colethia Moore
Jackie Miller
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 Dr. Willis, seconded by Ms.
Dozier and approved by those members present.
Dr. Carroll asked for any Excused Absences. Dr. Lawrence has been excused today
due to illness. A motion was made by Ms. Dozier seconded by Dr. Willis and
approved by those members present.
Dr. Carroll asked for a review of the Action List. A new item was added last
month, a Resolution in support of the Georgia Public Health Association
recommendation to make Public Health a separate State Agency. This is an
ongoing process that is being looked at. Ms. Gosden is working on this issue
and there have been no additions since the last discussion. Dr. Carroll stated
that Ms. Gosden is working on the format/wording for the Resolution. He
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stated that the position of the Board will be stated concerning the future of
Public Health and where the Board stands.
Dr. Carroll asked if there were any items of New Business and opened the floor.
Dr. Carroll stated that Ms. Middleton said there was an article in the Columbus
and the Valley Magazine written on Dr. Sullivan and his retirement and where he
stands in the community and what he has done, etc. Dr. Carroll asked Mr.
Saidla if he had any New Business to bring before the Board. There being none,
Dr. Carroll asked for Dr. Koppanyi?s Comments.
Dr. Koppanyi stated that the Legislature is still in session. The supplementary
budget was passed and Public Health was untouched. Unfortunately, the Governor
has been proposing some serious cuts for FY2009, but we are not sure of those
yet. The $7.1 million added in order to augment GIA funding to the local health
departments has been eliminated. Some funding to support salary advances/raises
(2% & 5%) nursing positions and performance based increases remain at the
moment. He encouraged contacting local legislators concerning the FY09 budget
and ultimate placement of Public Health in the overall organization of State
government.
Dr. Carroll asked Ms. Gosden what was the issue regarding the nursing
situation. Ms. Gosden had stated there exists a general crisis related to
supply and demand for nurses. Ms. Gosden stated that currently we are
recruiting for three vacant positions with only one person who has applied for
all three positions. There are some programmatic shifts planned in the HIV/AIDS
program to meet the new federal requirements of Ryan White. If a nurse
practitioner can be recruited into DCS, then we would take two of the nurses
currently assigned to that program and place them in Public Health to relieve
Sheila Mayfield?s shortage. Even at the new salary, 75% of market passed last
year and was in placement in January 2008, we are still having little success
in recruiting nurses. One of the items remaining in the FY09 Budget was
continuation money to support that 75% adjustment. The expansion of the $7.16
million is what the Governor has pulled back based on the most current economic
forecast. Georgia appears to be one of the states hanging on the verge of
recession according to national media courage. Mr. Saidla stated that being 75%
you are still 25% short of what the hospitals pay. Dr. Carroll asked if the
hospitals are having
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difficulty filling positions or shortages. Mr. Saidla stated they are actively
recruiting and most of the hospitals are still paying and signing bonuses to
get nurses. Dr. Carroll asked if the counties are doing ok in that area. Ms.
Gosden stated they are holding their own, hoping that no one leaves.
Dr. Carroll asked for any other comments in regards to what Dr. Koppanyi had
shared with the Board.
Dr. Carroll asked Ms. Middleton for the financial report to the Board.
Dr. Carroll called on Colethia Moore with Child Health and Jackie Miller with
WIC to present the program to the Board. There was a brief discussion with the
Board members.
Dr. Carroll asked if there was any other business to discuss. There being none,
the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted:
___________________________________
Charlene Ellis, Secretary
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