BARBARABRANNON | TEXAS SPUR
In its most recent regular and special meetings of March 27, April 6, and April 10, Kent County officials have grappled with strategies for managing the county-owned Kent County Nursing Home, including recruiting a director for the facility. An interim director has been in place since March, and an outside firm has been advising on a range of improvements in billing and hiring processes.
On March 27 the director reported a resident census of 37. One positive Covid-19 case was reported last week; staff were tested, and no other positive tests emerged. Wound care is improving, with three active cases, down from 10 recently.
Commissioners, who serve as the facility’s board of directors, discussed a range of salary and wage options, as well as staffing options, on April 10.
In the March 27 meeting, unofficial minutes note that during an audience with consultant Tracy Woodward, a Covid vaccination policy with new employees, along with exemptions that would or would not apply for employment, were discussed, as were QIPP payment process, and billing procedures realted to Medicare or Medicad when residents are transferred between nursing home and emergency rooms or hospital stays.
During that meeting the court convened into executive session at 1:20 p.m. and reconvened at 4:10 p.m.
Unofficial minutes of a special meeting at 1 p.m. on April 6 note that court held an audience with Stonewall Memorial Hospital District administrator Michael Moorhead regarding the Kent County Nursing Home, with no action taken.
In the April 13 meeting, commissioners suggested that KCNH staff research and attend training on the QIPP (quality improvement) incentive program.
Permanent school funds. On March 27, according to unofficial minutes, the court approved a new investment of Permanent School Funds at Plains Capital Bank in the amount of $1,000,000 at the rate of 2.75%, due to mature in one year.
On April 6, the court approved a request from Jayton-Girard ISD for $266,781.31 from Permanent School Funds for capital improvements.
Repair of community center floor. On March 27, the court approved contractor Leftwich Chapman to repair the tile flooring in the Kent County Community Center. As of the April 10 meeting, it was reported that the selected tile was out of stock, and a new selection would be made.
Equipment purchase
and trade-in. On April 6, the court approved a tradein offer from Yellow House Machinery for a John Deere motor grader for $108,500. Also on April 6, the court approved Wrench-A-Part to haul off a 2010 Chevrolet Impala.
County airport facilities. On April 13, County Judge Layne Coulter reported that the airport ramp grant had been approved; some facilities could still use improvement. All hangar spaces are currently rented.
Public transportation.
Judge Coulter reported that there would be a meeting with other are judges in Aspermont on April 11 to discuss the topic.
Purchasing card for county employees. Treasurer Christy Long reported April 10 on a proposed agreement for purchasing cards made available to staff, including security measures. The proposed card provider offers a rebate back to county on qualified purchases, resulting in a savings to taxpayers, according to Long.
Payment of invoices.
The court reviewed and approved payment of invoices due.
The April 10 meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m. Present were Judge Coulter and commissioners Roy Chisum, Robert Graham, Ray Hall and Daryl Ham.
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