Mitchell’s EMS Contract with County Remains Unsigned

A special meeting originally intended to consider the appointment of Caroline Mitchell as Hinsdale County’s new EM/EMS Director took an unexpected turn Tuesday morning, December 11.
As reported in November 30 SILVER WORLD, Lake City Town Manager Caroline Mitchell was announced as the new Emergency Management/ EMS Director out of three finalists to replace retiring Emergency Management/EMS Director Jerry Gray.
Since that time, Hinsdale County has worked to finalize a contract with Mitchell, and the appointment has been the topic of considerable discussion by both Hinsdale County Commissioners and Trustees for Town of Lake City.
In the interim, Mitchell signed a two-year contract to continue as Town Manager for Town of Lake City at the town’s meeting last Wednesday evening, December 5. Hinsdale Attorney Michael O’Loughlin completed the finalized version of the county’s hire contract with Mitchell last Thursday, December 6, with the stipulation that it be reviewed, signed and returned to the county within 48 hours.
According to County Administrator Jami Scroggins, the contract with 48-hour stipulation was presented to Mitchell at 9:45 a.m. on December 6.
Tuesday morning’s special meeting began at 10:10 a.m., Commission Chair Susan Thompson opening the session with two items on the agenda: 1- Update status of Caroline Mitchell EMS Director Contract and 2) Discuss and Consider Appointment and Contract of New EMS Director.
Present at the meeting were Commissioners Thompson and Whinnery, with Town Manager Mitchell in the audience. Also present in the audience were Dave Roberts, Kristie Borchers, Danielle Worthen, Lynn McNitt, and SILVER WORLD reporter Sally Moore.
As the meeting commenced, Commissioner Whinnery succinctly announced an update, “48 hours came and went, and the contract was not signed.”
“That’s all I’m going to say.”
Without further explanation, Whinnery made the motion to “postpone any discussion on EMS Director until next week.” The motion was seconded by Thompson.
After the brief session adjourned, Mitchell made no comment and abruptly left the meeting.
Further discussion is expected by the commissioners next week as to whom be offered the soon-to-be vacant EMS Director position. Questioned on Tuesday this week, County Administrator Scroggins states that the offer of employment has not been extended to any other candidate for the EMS post.