Cowley County Mental Health and Counseling Center’s executive director, Linda Young, has been placed on administrative leave, pending an investigation into the agency.
Newly-appointed board president Darrin Green said Young is to remain on paid leave for no more than 45 days. The board, which received an overhaul this week, met for the first time Wednesday evening.
Young was then placed on leave.
Green said department heads will be responsible for picking up extra duties to cover for Young. Any matters Young handled directly – or paperwork that needs signed – will be looked at by the board, he said.
It’s not clear yet whether an interim director will be appointed, he said.
Green said the board will meet again next Wednesday and he encouraged anyone with concerns to attend. The board plans to meet with all employees to assess concerns and problems at the agency.
The new board met for several hours this week.
“We’re just setting out to investigate what the county commission asked us to look into,” Green said.
Commissioners have received a number of complaints from employees, clients and former employees about how the agency was managed.
Six board members were ousted Tuesday because the commission felt a more aggressive inquiry into the issues was necessary.