LINN — Commissioners are seeking public input as they consider establishing a county-run quick care clinic through the Osage County Health Department. The proposal would add a nurse practitioner to provide same-day care for minor illnesses, sports physicals, and wellness visits. The county has already signed a contract with a medical director and begun advertising the position.

During the Feb. 24 meeting, Health Department Administrator Kim Sallin said the clinic would function as a “quick care,” focusing on minor illnesses and basic services that do not require emergency treatment. Unlike a full urgent care, it would not provide higher-acuity services such as X-rays. The nurse practitioner would be able to prescribe medications and perform minor procedures within scope of practice. More serious cases would still be referred to an emergency department.

Commissioners emphasized that no final hiring decision will be made until clearer cost projections are available. Sallin said her current plan is to use existing staff for front-desk and intake duties, with the nurse practitioner handling patient care. She does not anticipate hiring additional staff in the first year unless patient volume exceeds expectations.

Commissioners approved $2,000 in first-year compensation for the contracted medical director after the physician initially declined payment for the first year.

Commissioners discussed the possibility that startup and operating costs over the first two years could require $250,000 to $300,000 in county support, though no detailed financial projections have yet been presented.

A proposed patient fee of $40-$50 per visit was discussed. Commissioners debated whether that amount would be sufficient to cover operating costs and whether insurance billing should be pursued.

Western District Commissioner Dale Logan said he supports the concept but has concerns about long-term sustainability and geographic equity.

“If this thing just self-sustains after two years, that’s good,” Logan said during the meeting. “But what about the $300,000 the taxpayers put up front? I don’t want you to feel like we’re poking a hole in your balloon here.”

“I mean, it’s your-all’s balloon,” Sallin said. “You all asked me to do this, so I’m just doing the work that you all asked of me. I’m excited about it, and I’m glad that you asked, but I also think that over the last couple of years, I haven’t really needed a lot of financial support from the county, but that’s not typical of a health department that doesn’t have a tax. The county typically has to support, financially, the health department. So, we have just done a really good job over the last several years of being able to bring in the grants and bring in the income. Over the next, you know, five years, I might have to come to you all come budget time and say, ‘I need $50,000 or I need whatever.’ So that would not be out of the question without a quick care, to be honest.”

Logan noted that residents in western parts of the county may already travel toward Jefferson City for medical care and questioned whether they would utilize the service at the same rate as residents closer to Linn.

Eastern District Commissioner Jeff Peters expressed stronger support, citing convenience for working parents who currently must travel out of county for same-day care.

No formal vote has been taken to fully fund or launch the clinic. Commissioners requested more detailed financial projections before signing off on additional commitments.

Residents who wish to provide input can attend commission meetings or contact commissioners through information available on the Osage County website, https://osagecountygov.com.

• Logan updated the commission on the previous week’s visit from U.S. Rep. Bob Onder, who toured the area and met with county officials regarding the ongoing Hwy 63 project. He thanked Jake Horton of Horton Auto Sales for the use of a minivan to accommodate the tour.

Logan said he and Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin spent nearly an hour with Onder and his chief of staff discussing concerns about the planned realignment near Westphalia, particularly the proposed elimination of the town’s south entrance.

According to Logan, Onder “had some pretty good questions” about the project and appeared to understand the importance of maintaining access into the community. Logan said he could not say the congressman committed to a specific course of action but felt “pretty comfortable” that Onder recognizes the county’s concerns and intends to help if possible.

A primary issue discussed was the impact on residents whose homes would be displaced by the project. Logan said he emphasized that affected families cannot simply purchase comparable property nearby, noting that available land in Osage County is limited. “They’re not just losing a home,” Logan said. “They’re losing their community.”

Logan reiterated his belief that the highway route itself is unlikely to change at this stage. However, he said preserving the south entrance remains critical. He described it as the community’s “only hope,” arguing that once future corridor work is completed and the bridge is built, the opportunity to restore that access point would be gone permanently.

Logan also raised concerns about the broader approach taken by the Missouri Department of Transportation, stating that local input has not always been reflected in project decisions. He told commissioners he conveyed those frustrations directly to Onder.

Despite his concerns, Logan characterized the meeting as positive and said he appreciated that a member of Congress took the time to visit Westphalia in person.

“I think it went real well,” Logan said.

ROAD & BRIDGE

• Quarry rock was hauled on CR 631 (17.74T), 632 (15.49T), 735 (216.85T), & 735A (270.14T); road work was done on CR 735 & 735A; brush mowers were working on CR 426, 432, 433, 435, & 436; and grader operators were active as follows: G02 (CR 735, 735A), G03 (CR 309, 310, 801, 802, 804, 805, 806), G04 (CR 631, 632, 633, 634, 635), G05 (CR 412, 421, 422, 423, 424).

• Grader G02 (2014 772G John Deere was serviced out of house.

• Contact was received from citizens regarding CR 501, 602, & 604.

• Compliments were received about CR 401.

FINANCIAL

• County Aid Road Trust (CART) distribution received from the state of Missouri in the month of February was $89,415.83, including Motor Fuel Tax ($70,417.49), Motor Vehicle Sales Tax ($12,785.81), and Motor Vehicle Fee Increases ($6,212.53).

• Time sheets were approved by commissioners.