PMC Maintains Current Mill Levy for 2015 Budget

The Prowers Medical Center board of directors voted to maintain the current district mill levy at 2.7 mills for another year. The board is working to finalize the 2015 budget, but decided in favor of keeping it set instead of having to hold a last minute property owners district vote to increase the rate.  Board member, Ronnie Farmer, stated, “Because of TABOR rulings, we’d have to go before the voters for an increase approval and I don’t believe they’d be receptive to that action this year.”

Chief Financial Officer, Audrey Kane provided a brief overview for next year’s budget stating that net revenue is expected to be up 4% for next year and revenue and expenditures will each come in roughly at $25M. She told the board they can expect a $1.2 million decrease on assessed property values within the district for 2015.

The Ebola situation was briefly discussed as it would pertain to local medical treatment. Nurse Donna Walker stated that the staff is receiving webinars on protocols for treatment at Prowers Medical Center. She added that there are three hospitals in Colorado which are listed to accept patients for treatment of the disease.  Gerald Parton, the hospital’s Quorum Health Resources representative, said the hospitals served by the company are also updating their guidelines according to any new directives that are offered by national health advisory groups.

The hospital will purchase a new operating table, not to exceed $40,000. Karl Nieschburg, the new Compliance Officer at Prowers Medical Center informed the board he is reviewing all hospital department operations and will report his findings in the near future.  In light of the approaching holidays and a conflict with the Thanksgiving and Christmas schedule, the board decided to hold a joint meeting on December 10.  Additional budget meetings will be held as warranted.

The board amended the meeting agenda to move discussion on renewing Dr. Barry Portner’s credential privileges at the hospital into their executive session. A special meeting was held by the board on October 1 to discuss Portner’s privileges.  The Medical Executive Committee recommended that those privileges be extended until October 22’s meeting at which time the board would consider a further extension.

By Russ Baldwin