The Washington County Board of Supervisors approved agenda changes, addressed disputes over votes and assessments, and heard public concerns about taxes, contracts and health care during a recent board meeting marked by extended discussion and occasional tension.
Early in the meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve additions to the agenda, including recognizing representatives from the Washington County Democratic Executive Committee. Supervisors also approved minutes from a previous meeting after correcting language to reflect that certain vendor quotes had been rejected rather than left without action.
Then supervisor Mala Brooks said an email had been sent the same day requesting her vote be changed from an abstention to a “no” on the subject of rehiring former-Sheriff Milton Gaston, who had been arrested by federal agents on drug trafficking charges, to a new position within the county.
“I sent an email out that same day at 3:48 and made a request to change my vote from abstention to nay,” the supervisor Brooks said during the meeting.
Board president Carl McGee responded that the request did not follow established procedure and could not be addressed after the meeting had adjourned.
When Supervisor Brooks asked that the email be read into the record, the request was denied.
Board President McGee advised supervisor Brooks that it will take up too much time.
The exchange prompted further discussion among supervisors about meeting protocol and the importance of accuracy in official records before the board moved on to the next agenda item.
The board also heard from property owners disputing county tax assessments. One resident questioned how a valuation was calculated and asked whether payment of a tax bill totaling about $3,000 could be delayed until the issue was resolved.
“No,” Board Attorney Willie Griffin replied, explaining that failure to pay by the deadline would result in penalties and interest.
Attorney Griffin advised the taxpayer to pay the amount under protest and pursue an independent appraisal, noting that refunds could be issued later if the assessment is adjusted.
Another major topic was the closure of the Arcola clinic. Delta Health System CEO Iris Stacker told the board the clinic was shut down after officials determined it was operating at a loss and was seeing only one or two patients per week.
“When we started having to pay the lease, that would have tripled the loss of that clinic,” the Stacker said.
Some supervisors expressed disappointment over the closure and concern for Arcola residents. Hospital officials responded that most patients were already being transported to a clinic in Hollandale and that resources could be better used elsewhere.
Supervisors also discussed bids for county services, including transportation of deceased individuals. Questions were raised about whether submitted prices complied with state law, and action on the contract was postponed pending further review.
Additional discussions included infrastructure needs, bridge maintenance funding and the cost of housing state inmates at the county jail.
Several items were tabled, and the board is expected to revisit them at a future meeting.
