Hospital board reviews investments, EMS contract
By Melinda L. Lucas
An unspecified “investment opportunity” for the Shackelford County Hospital District and also positioning the district’s Foundation Fund to earn more interest were two of the discussion’s during the regular monthly meeting of the board on Monday, March 17.
In addition, the directors again tabled finalizing a contract for EMS director Mateo Millan, which he has requested, after meeting with the district’s legal counsel in closed session.
District Investments
A report from the Finance Committee resulted in action to move almost $89,000 in “Foundation” funds from a regular bank account currently earning .15% to a six-month CD at Clear Fork Bank at a 4% rate.
Later, during the closed session, the district’s legal counsel, John Montgomery, presented investment advice, which may involve securing a grant. After returning to open session, a committee consisting of board president Jason Price, James Breeden and Montgomery was formed to further consider the opportunity. Price said that the committee will meet in the near future.
EMS Director’s
Contract
Montgomery was also asked to be present during the 75-minute closed session to go over the contract that Millan presented last month.
“Now that our attorney knows what the board’s thoughts are, he can begin writing the contract,” Price said.
A motion was made by Maggie Viertel following the closed session to table action on the contract until Montgomery’s draft is prepared.
Public Thank You
Former board member Janna Ledbetter praised the actions of the local EMS personnel, stating that she wouldn’t be alive without their expertise.
“I died in the ambulance halfway to Abilene, and Colby (Herron) brought me back,” Ledbetter said, who also commended fellow EMS staff member Melinda Eaves. “You have an awesome EMS crew and a great director. I want you to keep supporting them.”
Longevity Award
Heather Von Gonton with the Texas Health Benefits Pool presented a five-year award to the hospital board.
She clarified that the district has been with the pool for seven years, but stated that the “award is fairly new to us.”
Von Gonton also went over a breakdown of how the district has been performing within the pool.
Other Business
•As part of the finance committee’s report, committee chair Annette Harris recommended that EMS delinquent accounts be “written off” if they are from 2022 and older, that those from 2023 be sent to collections, and that account holders from 2024 charges be offered discounts, similar to what the clinic has been doing with old accounts. The recommendation was approved.
•Also at the suggestion of the finance committee, Price was given authority to negotiate CD rates on several district CDs, and those CDs will be taken off “auto renewal.”
•Routine reports from the pharmacy and clinic were presented, with district administrator Brandi Green reporting that she had ordered a new computer for Alli Graham, who is currently the only nurse at the clinic until Shana Loftis recovers from surgery.
•Board members reviewed a draft of the 2023 audit, but no action was taken because the auditors plan to be present at the April meeting to present the documents.
•The directors approved a transfer of $150,000 to the EMS operating account.
