The Wrangell Borough Assembly has approved an amendment to an ordinance dealing with the medical center board’s powers.
The original ordinance, which was passed in August, brought the board under the umbrella of the borough government. The board is now required to get approve from the Borough Assembly for repair contracts totaling more than $25,000. The borough manager must now approve any grants or funds solicited by the board. Also, any contracts with a hospital administrator must be approved by the borough manager and attorney.
The assembly held a public hearing earlier this week concerning the amendment. The change prevents the hospital board liaison from participating in executive sessions dealing with credentialing. It also removes the requirement that the personnel rules for the hospital be in line with those of the borough.
The majority of the comments during the hearing were in favor of having a liaison present during hospital board executive sessions. Assembly member James Stough mentioned having an outside voice could help keep the board on the right track. Vice Mayor Bill Privett pointed out the role of the liaison would be for keeping all parties informed and shouldn’t be considered as extra scrutiny.
The measure passed unanimously during the borough assembly’s regular meeting.