Commissioners Cover Health Topics
The Roosevelt County Commissioners tabled a decision regarding a request to increase the nurse practitioner’s hours at the detention center during their meeting on Tuesday, April 19.
In a written request, jail supervisor Debra Collins explained that the nurse practitioner currently is scheduled to works 24 hours every two weeks at the jail.
“We have started Facetiming with her on weekends when it is necessary to and at other times when she cannot be present here. This helps us tremendously and she needs to be compensated for these times. I am requesting 48 hours every two weeks as it isn’t just a matter of seeing the inmate, there is the time needed to chart and order meds as well. As it stands, she isn’t being compensated for all her time.”
Commissioners noted that the average number of inmates recently have increased from the 20s to the upper 30s.
They have concerns, however, about the sheriff office’s budget.
“The budget won’t handle it,” commissioner Gary Macdonald said of the request.
The increase is estimated to raise costs from the current $60,000 to $120,000.
“I think we need to discuss this a little more,” Macdonald said.
The decision was tabled. Commissioners approved a request from the health department to advertise for a temporary fulltime nurse. The position will be funded through a $130,000 state program.
“The Roosevelt County Health Department desperately needs a nurse so we run an STD testing and treatment program,” health department director Patty Presser wrote in her request. “A rampant syphilis outbreak is occurring in our communities.”
Commissioners approved adding the Health is Wellness program for one year as a benefit for county employees. Being part of the program will be voluntarily for employees.
The county and its health provider will each pay $550 monthly for the program.
Commissioner Gordon Oelkers said the program is worth it if it makes even a few employees healthier.
“They say if you are a healthy employee, you are more productive,” Oelkers said.
Macdonald is hopeful that CARES funds can help pay for the program.
Commissioners approved the purchase of a vehicle and trailer for the health department.
The Northern Plains Independent requested that commissioners hold fewer special administrative meetings and post notice whenever a meeting takes place to more adequately comply with public notice and participation requirements under state law.
Resignations included Steve Harada from DES, Rachel Yerbich from the health department, Kaitlyn Greybear from dispatch and Cathy Dickey from dispatch.
