A discussion on a reappointment to a Butler County board resulted in more dissension among the county commissioners Wednesday.

Commissioner Jim Eckstein opposed the reappointment of Dennis Ditch to the county Children and Youth Services advisory board on the grounds that he has served too long: 24 years.

“It’s not about Dennis,” Eckstein said.

He said people become too complacent if they serve on the same board too long.

“The system is failing us,” Eckstein said.

Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, stressed Ditch was being reappointed to an advisory board, not a decision-making body.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton defended longtime board members.

“Our volunteers give of their time,” Pinkerton said. “They don’t make a penny.”

He stressed it’s not easy to find qualified individuals to sit on such boards.

Pinkerton criticized Eckstein for his behavior.

“It appalls me Jim thinks in the manner he does,” Pinkerton said.

He pointed out the Mental Health Association of Butler County previously kicked Eckstein off its board.

“He lasted three months and they threw him off,” Pinkerton said.

Eckstein countered by saying he served on that board for nearly three years before he was removed for contacting the state about alleged mismanagement of association funds.

“I’m proud of it,” he said.

Pinkerton also said Eckstein received money for the previous Save Our Hospital campaign to keep Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler.

Eckstein took offense, emphasizing any donations went to the cause, not his pocket.

“I have records to prove it,” he said. “He is flat out wrong.”

Pinkerton claimed Eckstein also mistreats employees.

“I’m appalled at what he does to people,” Pinkerton said. “He literally bullies people,” Pinkerton said.

The commissioners voted 2 to 1 to reappoint Ditch to another three-year term, with Eckstein dissenting.

McCarrier said the county is in good shape due in part to the work done by volunteer boards.

“These boards must be doing something right,” he said.