WGH board plans tax rate hearing

Wilbarger General Hospital Chief Financial Officer Charles Cave reported to the hospital’s board of directors during a regular board meeting Thursday that the hospital currently has 190 days cash-on-hand with net receivables just over $6 million and $18.7 million in the general fund.
In other business, the board voted unanimously during the meeting to approve the purchase of five new heart monitors for the heart rehab department at a cost of $37,679.
Vicky Woodfin, executive assistant to CEO, reported to the board on behalf of the chief nursing officer that the diabetic infusion would begin in mid-October.
Elaine Crews, LVN, was recognized as the Employee of the Month for September. Crews has been employed by the hospital for the past 15 years and currently works on the second floor.
In discussing the hospital’s tax rate, board members stressed that it was important to keep in mind that salary increases for hospital employees were necessary to retain employees and that the budget should include significant salary increases.
CFO Cave mentioned that the hospital is receiving less reimbursement for uncompensated care, while costs are rising. Charity care and bad debt, Cave said, was currently just under $11 million.
The board decided not to adopt a tax rate that would require voter approval, but would hold a public meeting to obtain input on increasing the rate. The date and time of the public meeting is Ept. 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the WGH board room.