Healthcare District proposes stipend increase for directors

At the November 11, 2009 meeting of the Board of Directors of the Fallbrook Healthcare District (FHD), a motion was made to increase the stipend paid to the Directors for attending meetings during the month. At the present time, Directors are paid a stipend of $100 per month. The motion, if passed, would increase the stipend to $100 per meeting per month to a maximum of $500 per month per director.

I am not in favor of the increase. To my best recollection, the two newest members of the Board had never attended a meeting prior to their appointment. I do believe they are concerned members of the community and have expressed a willingness to serve, however I feel they were not aware of the responsibilities of a Board position.

Many in our community are struggling in this current economic climate. Increasing the stipend now would send the wrong message to them. If the responsibilities of the various committees are so onerous that the Board members need an additional stipend, then the motion should be effective after the next election cycle. This is not the time for the FHD to ignore the circumstances in which they operate. Please reconsider this motion.