PMC Board Approves 2014 Budget

The Prowers Medical Center Board of Directors adopted their 2014 budget during their monthly meeting, Wednesday, November 20.  Revenues of $23.96 million are expected against estimated expenses for 2014 of $23.92 million. 

Some personnel changes were approved by the board included appointing Dr. George Kunhardt as Chief of Staff for 2014, and the hiring of a new Compliance Officer and Board Counsel, Joseph Bower of Pueblo.  The board approved a letter of engagement for Bower who is an attorney who has been employed by hospitals in the past. 

A request for consideration of funding for a faculty scholarship was made to the board by Lamar Community College President, John Marrin.  Marrin was accompanied by Kathy Henderson of the college’s nursing faculty and Anne Marie Crampton, Director of the LCC Foundation.  Marrin explained that the college was lacking a nursing faculty member, and it was necessary to employ an individual who had attained a master’s degree in nursing to instruct the nursing program at the college since the college received national accreditation for its nursing program two years ago.  Marrin said, “I’d estimate that at least 80% of the nursing staff in the four county region have received their training through Lamar Community College,” and that would hold true for the nursing make up at Prowers Medical Center.  He explained the cost would be in the neighborhood of $60,000 for a nine month contract and the college is making efforts to seek additional funding sources throughout the community so the financial obligation wouldn’t be shouldered by one entity.  Crampton explained that if PMC employees contributed $100 per person in a year through a payroll plan, they would be entitled to a tax credit as the college was eligible for Enterprise Zone benefits.  Board Chairman, Candy Ruedeman, thanked the group for their consideration, remarking that an immediate response was not possible, but the board members would explore their options and would contact the college in early 2014. 

Chief Executive Officer, Craig Loveless, discussed the purchase approval for Disaster Recovery Software for the hospital.  The cost of hardware is $58,000 and software and support for the product is $16,000.  Some additional questions on the package need to be answered prior to approval and Loveless said those would be offered during the December board meeting.  That meeting has been moved to December 11 because of holiday scheduling.

By Russ Baldwin