KINGMAN – On Wednesday, May 18, the Hospital District Number One of Mohave County met in what was posted as an emergency meeting.
Chairman Katie Tacheron began the meeting stating, “Item to be purchased would be one laptop computer for the board’s executive assistant, including additional accessories as required.” Board member Logan Marsh advised that one computer would not suffice and added more computers as well as video equipment.
“I’d like to first of all make a modification to how I put that in,” said Marsh. “After further discussion of talking with our assistant…I believe that what we really need is technology for all board members to be consecutive across the board.
“So, I’m going to be putting together a motion to buy two MacBook Pros, one for the administrative assistant and one for the board chair, and four MacBook Airs for the rest of the board members, as well as the accessories related to those purchases, warranties and AppleCare related to those purchases.
“I’d also like to propose purchasing the Google Meets camera and audio equipment as necessary to move forward with the recording and public access to the meetings. And I’d also like to, in that motion, include future phone technology and approve the invoicing and for mobile devices.” The board discussed the cost of those items without a second to Marsh’s motion.
“So, my cost estimate is fluid because there may be additional accessories that weren’t thought of, so it’s all related accessories, but each computer for the chair and the admin assistant with AppleCare and taxes is going to run roughly three grand each,” said Marsh. “You know, accessories are going to include mice, printers, and related objects. Videography equipment is probably going to run us close to $1,200, and the MacBook Airs for the rest of the board members and included accessories would probably roughly be about $1400 to $1500 each, including the warranty.
“Cell phones, our monthly service, is going to be just under $200 for all six cell phones. The phones are going to be relatively inexpensive because we are not heavily investing into mobile technology. We’re just doing inexpensive $200 Android phones. I do know that we’re there on promotion right now, so we’ll be discussing those invoices in the next topic.”
The board unanimously approved the purchase of Google Workspaces (which includes six android cell phones and six Apple laptop computers to include “additional accessories as required).” That and the cost of added videographer equipment added in by Marsh totals approximately $12,800. It appears the board approved an open-ended purchase price for the items. Marsh did not give exact amounts. The cost could potentially increase substantially if he decides to add more items.
Board member Leanne Smith asked if the reason for the purchases was to further separate the board from the hospital (KRMC). Marsh replied, “Yes, but it’s also to make us more compliant with the laws here in Arizona for being an operating government board with records retention.”
There was a second motion by Marsh to reimburse Tacheron in the amount of $654.54 for paying the cost of the phones from her personal funds since she hasn’t yet received the credit cards she is proposing for the district.
The board retired to executive session with attorney Tom Price to discuss, at Tacheron’s request, what items of information they can legally withhold from the public. Following the executive session the meeting was adjourned.
At its May 5 meeting the board passed a motion to set a budget meeting to discuss financial matters and the proposed lease with the hospital. That meeting is scheduled for June 2 at 2 p.m. in the Mohave A Conference Room at KRMC, 3269 Stockton Hill Rd. in Kingman.
Becky Foster
