Attorney Says No Wrongdoing in Rural Health Executive Session

During last week’s Johnson County Rural Health Care District Board meeting, a question was raised on whether or not discussions by the board should have been conducted in executive session or in an open public meeting, and if discussions may have been illegal.

Board Chair Marilyn Connolly said she has spoken to the district board’s attorney Barry Crago, who has reviewed the issue and said nothing illegal happened.

Connolly said she was surprised with the accusation that the board had done something illegal, and wanted to correct that as soon as possible.

The discussion in executive session was concerning personnel, and no decision was made in that session, according to Connolly.

She said Crago will be presenting a written opinion in the matter that the board will submit into the minutes in their next meeting.

The issue stemmed from the board’s decision to split the current medical director’s duties and contract into two separate agreements with different directors for Buffalo and Kaycee.

The idea was to have Dr. Mark Schueler continue to act as the medical director for Buffalo EMS and to add Dr. Luke Goddard as the medical director for Kaycee Ambulance.

The $1,000 per month stipend currently paid to Dr. Schueler would be split and pay each director $500 per month.

We will take a closer look at the reason why the district board even considered having different medical directors in an upcoming story.