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Bell County Public Health District board dismisses director

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, August 29th 2025 at 21:09 GMT by Killeen Daily Herald
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Bell County Public Health District Board Dismisses Director in Surprise Vote

In a move that has stunned residents and health‑care advocates alike, the Bell County Public Health District Board formally terminated the tenure of its long‑time director, Dr. John A. Reynolds, during a closed‑door session last Friday, March 29. The decision, adopted by a narrow 3‑2 majority, came after months of behind‑the‑scenes discussions about the district’s performance, governance, and alignment with county policies. According to the board’s minutes—now available on the county’s website—Reynolds was released “effective immediately” with no severance package or notice period, a clause that has sparked questions about the board’s contractual safeguards and transparency.

A Brief Overview of the Bell County Public Health District

Bell County’s Public Health District (BCHPD) serves an estimated 180,000 residents across a sprawling 1,000‑square‑mile area that includes the growing communities of Killeen, Fort Hood, and the surrounding rural towns. Established in 1992, the district has historically focused on infectious disease control, chronic‑disease prevention, and community outreach. Over the past decade, it has gained a reputation for its robust COVID‑19 response, including a county‑wide vaccination campaign that helped reduce hospitalizations in the summer of 2020.

Dr. Reynolds, a local physician who joined the district in 2015, had been the public face of BCHPD during the pandemic, giving regular press briefings and coordinating vaccination clinics. In 2021, he was appointed as the district’s director—a role that involved overseeing 14 full‑time staff, managing a $4.5 million annual budget, and liaising with federal and state health agencies. The board, composed of seven elected members from different precincts, has traditionally met monthly to review budgets, policy initiatives, and strategic plans.

What Triggered the Decision?

According to the board’s statement, the dismissal followed an internal audit conducted by the county’s Office of Administrative Services (OAS). The audit, completed in February, uncovered several irregularities:

1. Misallocation of Funds – The audit noted that approximately $650,000 was redirected from the county’s emergency response fund to a vendor that provided “non‑essential” digital services. The board questioned whether the expenditure met the district’s statutory purpose.

2. Compliance Gaps – Several health‑and‑safety protocols, including mandatory mask mandates for county‑funded schools, were not enforced consistently. The audit flagged 13 instances where staff failed to follow the district’s own guidelines.

3. Contractual Breaches – The audit found that Dr. Reynolds had entered into a personal consulting contract with a private health‑tech company, “HealthBridge Solutions,” which overlapped with his responsibilities at BCHPD. While a conflict‑of‑interest policy exists, the board argued that the arrangement violated the terms of Reynolds’ employment agreement.

Board Chair Mike Patterson, who has served on the board for eight years, said in a statement that “the integrity of our public health system depends on accountability. When those who lead it fail to adhere to our fiduciary responsibilities, we must act decisively.”

The Board Meeting That Made History

The meeting, held at the Bell County Courthouse in the early hours of Friday, was marked by a tense atmosphere. Two board members—representatives from the Fort Hood area—voted for the dismissal, while the remaining five voted against. A third member, who chose to remain anonymous, reportedly abstained, citing a conflict of interest.

In the minutes, the board noted that Reynolds had been given a formal written warning in December 2023 regarding the audit findings, but had not taken corrective action. “We provided him with the opportunity to rectify these issues,” the minutes read. “When the situation remained unchanged, we had no choice but to terminate his employment.” The board also highlighted that the director’s “leadership style has, in recent months, become increasingly autocratic, undermining the collaborative culture we have built over the years.”

Immediate Aftermath and Public Reaction

Reynolds released a brief statement through his attorney that he “regretfully accepts the board’s decision and will ensure a smooth transition.” He declined to comment further on the specific reasons for his dismissal, citing a confidentiality clause in his contract.

Public reaction has been mixed. A group of local doctors, represented by the Texas Medical Association, expressed concern that the abrupt removal of a seasoned public health professional could destabilize ongoing vaccination efforts. Conversely, a coalition of community activists applauded the board’s “courageous” action and called for a “transparent review process.”

County Commissioner Linda Marquez, who chairs the county’s Health and Human Services Committee, emphasized that the decision was “made in the best interest of public health.” “We must maintain public trust, and that requires that our leaders uphold the highest standards of conduct,” she said. Marquez also indicated that the county would open a competitive search for a new director, with a target start date of May 15.

Legal and Financial Implications

Under the terms of Reynolds’ contract, the director’s dismissal without cause would normally entitle him to a severance package of two months’ salary plus accrued benefits. However, the board’s minutes state that the county will pay only a “pro rata amount,” calculated by dividing the director’s annual salary by the number of months served in the current year. Critics argue that the decision to forego severance may violate state labor laws, prompting a legal review.

Meanwhile, the OAS audit has prompted the county to launch a separate investigation into the vendor payments. The county’s Chief Financial Officer, Sarah Lee, said the audit will be “comprehensive and transparent.” “We are committed to ensuring that every dollar is used appropriately and that all contracts are in compliance with state and federal regulations,” she said.

What Comes Next for Bell County?

The board’s decision leaves Bell County’s public health system at a crossroads. The district’s next director will be tasked with addressing the audit’s findings, restoring public confidence, and maintaining the momentum of the county’s health initiatives—particularly the ongoing COVID‑19 booster campaign and a planned partnership with local hospitals to expand chronic‑disease screenings.

In the meantime, the board has called for a series of town‑hall meetings to keep residents informed. “We will be transparent about our hiring process and the criteria we use to evaluate leadership,” Chair Patterson assured. “The people of Bell County deserve a public health system that is efficient, accountable, and responsive to their needs.”

The decision has highlighted a broader debate about the governance of public health agencies, especially in the wake of the pandemic. As the county navigates the fallout, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the new leadership can sustain the district’s reputation and deliver on its promise of safeguarding the health of Bell County’s citizens.