Board members react to paper's revelations

One official wonders if the board is doing its job.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Columbiana County health board members expressed surprise to learn the department's spending is being probed, but also voiced support for Commissioner Robert Morehead and some of his practices, which are the focus of the investigation.
"I wouldn't have any reason to believe he's done anything wrong," member William Catlett said Monday.
Morehead has "done a tremendous job" during his nearly 14 years as health commissioner, said board member Matt Borza.
Catlett added that he was surprised by disclosures in Sunday's Vindicator. The newspaper reviewed 2003 spending throughout county government for travel and other expenditures and detailed Morehead's use of a county-issued Visa credit card to make personal buys, including novels, golf accessories and Christmas gifts.
Morehead said he reimbursed the county for some of the items but offered no proof.
After learning of The Vindicator's findings, county Prosecutor Robert Herron ordered a criminal investigation and is requesting a state audit.
Other members' reactions
"It's totally wrong," health board Vice Chairman Shawn Apple said of Morehead's use of the Visa for personal buys, even if he did repay.
"That card is not for that purpose," Apple said.
Borza agreed that it should not be used for personal buys. "That's probably not a proper thing to do," he said.
Apple, Borza and Catlett said they wanted to examine departmental spending practices.
Apple refused to say whether Morehead's job is in jeopardy in light of the probe being undertaken and previous critical reviews by the state auditor's office regarding the department's fiscal operation.
Borza and Apple defended Morehead's practice of charging the public for meals eaten at local restaurants, including the nearly $800 Morehead billed in 2003 for business meals he ate at Pondi's, a Lisbon bar and restaurant owned by Borza.
Health board Chairman Dr. Jack Amato and panel member Thomas Haugh failed to return calls seeking comment.
Commissioner's concerns
County Commissioner Jim Hoppel said The Vindicator's story about Morehead's 2003 spending, coupled with past fiscal questions in the department spark concern about oversight of the department.
Hoppel is part of an advisory council that's charged with appointing health board members.
"I'd like to take a look at the board members," Hoppel said.
The council should ensure that board members "understand their responsibilities of overseeing the [health] commissioner."
Hoppel also wondered aloud whether there is a procedure that would allow the advisory council to remove health board members, although he emphasized he's not yet advocating that step.
County Commissioner Gary Williams said it appears there have been spending abuses in the department, and they must be dealt with.