David Varnell and Debbie Lopes will remain as board president and vice president, respectively, for another year for the Westside Community Healthcare District following a Board of Directors vote in December.
Varnell, who’s been a board member for more than a decade, was voted in the role last year following the departure of then-President Dennis Brazil’s resignation. Brazil resigned from his position due to him moving out of Zone 4, which represents Gustine City. Varnell was previously the board’s vice president for nine years.
Lopes was voted as vice president in June after Kenneth Helms, who previously held the position, resigned a couple months before. She represents Gustine City.
In the first round of voting for president, Board Member Ashley Casteel suggested Lopes and Varnell swap positions. The decision didn’t pass after the board voted 4-1 for Varnell to continue his term. Casteel was the lone board member to vote against.
District receives donation from Westside Healthcare Task Force
In an effort to raise awareness of its financial situation, WSCHD received a response for the first time since the announcement. The Board of Directors approved a $3,100 donation from the Westside Healthcare Task Force last Monday.
According to a letter from the non-profit organization, the amount will be split between Del Puerto Healthcare District, the City of Gustine and WSCHD. The letter also mentioned that since the retirement of former Stanislaus County Supervisor Jim DeMartini, who established the task force, the non-profit has not been active and will close in the near future.
The previous three board meetings revolved around discussions of the district seeking financial assistance through local agencies. During a Sept. 22 board meeting, a two-page letter was presented. The letter mentioned information about WSCHD, including its history, where its ambulance services operate and the district working with a parcel tax of $40 per parcel.
The Board of Directors approved the letter being sent to local agencies on Oct.27. Varnell previously told the Westside Connect that supervisors from Stanislaus and Merced Counties, the City of Gustine and the City of Newman were among the recipients receiving the letter.
Discussions later shifted towards reaching out to local business and the public during a Nov.24 meeting. Jessica Vived, an attorney at Wagner Jones Wesley PC, suggested having specific letters for certain groups with the first going out to the local county and government officials.
The district recorded $2.56 million in revenue with $2.50 million going in expenditures last year, according to data from California State Controller’s Office.
