The Washington County Board met last night and Vic Shubert with the Personnel, Appointment & Policy Committee informed the Board that there are now 3 vacancies on the Washington County Hospital Board, and it is a serious matter. Chairman J.W. Metcalf turned in his resignation, so it has gone from 9 members to 6. The issue for the County Board is that they have to find replacements, as the hospital bylaws require 5 Board members to be able to conduct business. Options include to continue advertising and to start canvassing. They also had a 30 day comment period from the public about someone who wants to be on the hospital board, but the recommendation was to do away with this provision. The County Board voted to completely do away with the comment provision. Also, they cannot just appoint anyone, as that is not legal. Metcalf was the latest Chairman of the Board, but his term had expired at the end of the last Fiscal Year, yet he stayed on to help, but as others resigned, he moved up to Chairman. Victor Lopez is 1st Vice Chair and should assume the Chairman position later this month. There was a person interested, but he has held off on a commitment at this time. The Hospital Board has been confronted by a group of County residents unhappy with the administration of the hospital and wants that Board to provide them with more information on what they do, but the Hospital Board cannot accommodate many of these requests, due to privacy laws and that they are not involved in some of the day-to-day operations of the hospital. Since that time, 3 Board members have resigned, but none of the group’s people have shown any interest in being on the Hospital Board. If you are interested in being on the Washington County Hospital Board, contact the County Clerk’s Office at 327-4800, extension 300. The County Board could hold a special meeting if needed to appoint someone as soon as they have any names. Shubert also said Greg Kessler resigned from the Zoning Board of Appeals and Patricia Rensing of Hoyleton was named to this unexpired term. The Board approved this appointment.