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Council accepts FIMR coordinator grant contingent on contract; split vote fails to convert RN to part‑time at $35/hr
Summary
The Ripley County Council approved a state fetal and infant mortality review (FIMR) coordinator grant contingent on contract paperwork, and voted 3–3 (motion failed) on moving a health RN to a 28‑hour part‑time position at $35 per hour, asking staff for market comparables and cost details.
The Ripley County Council on Sept. 15 approved a state FIMR (fetal and infant mortality review) coordinator grant to host a regional coordinator in Ripley County for a seven‑county service area, but the motion was expressly contingent on receipt of the state contract and funding paperwork because the grant is reimbursable.
Separately the council considered changing a maternal child health RN (Cindy) from full‑time to part‑time (28 hours per week) at a proposed rate of $35 per hour. Amy, the health department director, explained that part‑time at $35/hr could still provide flexible scheduling and save the county money if the employee declined county health insurance. Council members debated service continuity, training burdens and regional market rates. A public commenter, Paula Rasnik, urged council members to retain the experienced employee.
After discussion the motion to approve the RN change at $35/hr failed on a 3–3 tie. Council asked staff to return with comparative market data, a detailed savings estimate and an analysis of service impacts before reconsideration.
Next steps: health department staff will prepare a benefit/cost comparison and market comparables for the next meeting; the FIMR coordinator position will be implemented only after the state contract and funding paperwork are received and processed.
