► Polk re-appoints tax administrator for four years

Polk County Tax Administrator Melissa Bowlin was appointed for an additional four-year term this week. The Polk County Board of Commissioners re-appointed Bowlin during its meeting on June 5. County chair Tommy Melton said he has known Bowlin for over a decade and has always been impressed with her professionalism. He said Bowlin was given a job this year that was very difficult, speaking of the property tax revaluation, and she and her staff handled it very well.

► Polk approves DSS emergency operation plan

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved an emergency operation plan for its department of social services (DSS). Commissioners heard from Polk County Human Service Director Joshua Kennedy, who said the document is required by the state for DSS to operate. The county’s newly formed consolidated human services board also approved the plan.

► Consolidated human services board membership terms changed

The Polk County Board of Commissioners agreed on June 5 to change the terms of membership on its consolidated human services board. The board expressed concern that the way the terms were originally structured, the board would not retain the necessary professional services requirements for as long as possible. Commissioners shifted the terms for those professionals on the board to have the longest terms.

► St. Luke’s/Polk approve agreement for new jail

The Polk County Board of Commissioners and St. Luke’s Hospital have an agreement in place for the hospital to treat inmates. Commissioners met June 5 and approved the agreement. County attorney Jana Berg said the document was prepared by St. Luke’s to provide medical services to Polk’s jail inmates at 50 percent of the regular costs. County manager Marche Pittman said the county and hospital had the agreement last year and the county would have been looking at about $50,000 in savings because of the reduced costs.

► Polk County makes appointment to mental health advisory board

The Polk County Board of Commissioners appointed Mary Prioleau to the Polk County Mental Health Advisory Board. The appointment was unanimous during the county’s June 5 meeting.