Amador County – Supervisor Chairman John Plasse briefly addressed a contract agreement with the Amador County Public Health Officer Dr. Robert Hartmann, after a member of the public spoke on the issue last week.

Jackson Radiologist Dr. Lincoln Russin read a copy of a letter to the board during “matters not on the agenda” at the Feb. 8 Supervisors’ meeting, stating support for Hartmann. The letter was signed by Dr. Raymond H. Pierson III, chief of medical staff at Sutter Amador Hospital.

According to Pierson’s letter, it was submitted to Supervisors “on behalf of the Sutter Amador Hospital medical staff on Jan. 26.” Pierson in the letter said: “We understand that the Board of Supervisors has offered Dr. Hartmann a six-month renewal contract, rather than continue his contract through 2013.”

Pierson said: “We are concerned that the administration of the Public Health Department is being questioned. We want to indicate our strong support for both the staff of the Public Health Department and in particular, for Dr. Hartmann as Public Health Officer.”

The letter said: “We see no reason to change a well-functioning public service, or to replace an exceptional public servant.” The said they believed “Hartmann should be publicly recognized for the contributions he has made in this field,” and urged Supervisors to sign a long-term contract with Hartmann.

Retired Amador County Mental Health Director Pat Houghton also wrote in support of Hartmann, saying: “Supervisors shortened his contract, and they're still paying him less than the only other doctor employed by the county even though state and federal funds are available to cover his contract.”

Supervisor Chairman John Plasse said that the Board of Supervisors had to consider a request by Robert Hartmann for a 37 percent pay increase. He said at the same time, they also had to consider “which people in the room deserve a 10 percent decrease.” Plasse said supervisors by a majority vote agreed to a compromise, giving Hartmann a raise and a one-year contract extension.

Plasse said that if either Dr. Hartmann or Supervisors were unhappy with the contract, “there is a termination clause,” with which either party can end the contract at any time. He said the contract is for an annual salary of $84,000, as a part-time position working 20 hours per week, and if Hartmann was unhappy with it, he could terminate the contract.

He said Supervisors knew the commitment and dedication Hartmann brought to the position.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.