The Lawrence County Commission yesterday morning voted 2-1 to combine the county's 911 and Emergency Management Agency offices and then rehired former EMA/911 director Don Mootz to head those agencies. Commission President George Patterson and Commissioner Doug Malone voted in favor of the changes. Commissioner Jason Stephens cast the dissenting vote.

Commission President George Patterson said the moves were an effort "to right a wrong" that was transacted 18 months ago when Mootz's employment was terminated and the two jobs under his direction were split. At that time, the 911 responsibilities were contracted out to the Southeast Ohio Emergency Medical Services, and EMA deputy director Mike Boster was promoted to replace Mootz.

"It was a terrible injustice done," Patterson said of the decision to terminate Mootz. "And for no reason."

Patterson and Malone said the Mootz incident cost the county money unnecessarily. Malone said when Mootz was fired 18 months ago, the commissioners at that time gave Boster a salary of $30,000.

James Ward was hired as a deputy director at $25,000. Then another $27,500 was spent to secure the SEOMS contract to operate the 911 office.

"On paper it looked like it saved the county money, but actuality, it put the accounts $30,000 in excess," Malone said.

Stephens voted against the changes.

"Two wrongs don't make a right," Stephens said. He countered that Boster has done an excellent job as EMA director, and has improved the office's image and credibility throughout the state and the region. He pointed to the letter that the Western West Virginia Chapter of the American Red Cross sent, praising Boster's leadership.

"The performance of the EMA over the last eighteen months is well documented," Stephens said.

Stephens refuted Malone's claim that the county will save money by hiring Mootz and by axing the 911 contract with SEOEMS, Stephens said the County Auditor's Office gave him figures that show the total combined budget for both the 911 and EMA offices in 2001 was $593,192. For

the year just ending, the total combined budget of both entities was $544,764.

"They can say all they want to about their numbers, the bottom line is what you look at when you consider the efficiency of an organization. Less money was spent in 2002 than in 2001-- 8 percent less. That's significant."

Stephens also said that he is confused by Malone and Patterson's decision to hire Mootz at a salary of $53,567 a year.

Stephens said that for years the Democrats have criticized the Republicans for their alleged past practice of hiring what democrats called "$40,000-a-year men."

"Is it better to hire a $50,000-a-year man than a $40,000-a-year man?" Stephens asked.

Stephens said Mootz's departure 18 months ago was due to basic philosophical differences over the way be operated his office.

All three commissioners agreed that Boster has done an excellent job, and they approve of his handling of the EMA office.

Mootz said he does not know yet what personnel or other changes he will make now that he has regained his former position.

'It's a little premature," Mootz said. "I've got to find out what's been done since I've been gone."

However, Boster said it has been indicated to him that he no longer has a job with the county. While he has not received an official pink slip, he is disappointed by the situation.

"When a person does a commendable job they should be rewarded accordingly. I think this is probably not in the best interest of the county or in the best interest of the safety and protection of the people," Boster said. "Anytime decisions are made based solely on politics, it is the people who suffer, as well as the person who is being made a scapegoat."

Also yesterday, the board voted 2-1 to change the agency of record for health insurance for county employees. When the county signed a new one-year health insurance contract late last year, the agency of record was McNelly Patrick of Jackson. Malone moved to switch the county's business to David Brown, of Brown Raybourn Associates of Ashland, Ky. Brown is an Ironton resident. The county's insurance will remain with Medical Mutual; only the agent that handles the paperwork has changed.

Malone said he has worked with Brown and believes he will do a good job and save the county money because he is local and is familiar with county issues.

"He offers local expertise," Malone said. Malone and Patterson noted that Brown was the agent of record until a few years ago when the county's business was switched to McNelly Patrick.

Stephens, who voted against the move said that McNelly Patrick personnel were instrumental in helping get a better plan for the county and in doing so, helped save the county and its employees' money.

"I would rather re-bid than arbitrarily switch the agent of record. McNelly Patrick had the lowest bid this time."

Patterson said his vote to switch business to David Brown had nothing to do with any money Brown may have contributed to his political campaigns in the past, and resents any rumors to the contrary.

Patterson the new commission president, also yesterday reiterated a statement he made last week that he will only allow executive sessions for the six specific purposes allowed under Ohio law. Patterson said those who request a session behind closed doors with the commission should read the law and find out first if their subject matter falls into one of those six categories.