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TMH, Foundation agree

Amy Hamilton
n Board members received the results of a preliminary feasibility study for the hospital to consider creating an inpatient drug treatment center. The results, compiled by Wally Smith of Diamond Healthcare Corpration, suggests that there is a market for outpatient services but that the inpatient option needs more research. Phelps said that company officials plan to meet with members of Craig's Communities Overcoming Meth Addictions anti-drug group later this month to discuss the results. "At the end of the day, we'll see what's feasible and what's not," Phelps said. n Human Resource Director Alice Rigney reported that a change in hospital's health care plan resulted in a more than $100,000 savings from last year. The hospital spent $296,285 on employee health care costs so far this year. "The insurance broker feels like we're on track," Rigney said. "By the end of the second quarter, we'll have a better feel to know what's going on."

An employee of The Memorial Hospital probably will handle the administrative duties of earning money for a new hospital, according to a unanimous decision by the hospital board Wednesday night.

The 7-member board approved, in concept, to contract $2,500 a month with The Memorial Hospital Foundation — its separate fund-raising arm — to handle administrative services involved with creating and maintaining the financial duties of building a new hospital.

The decision hinges on hospital personnel formalizing a budget to determine exactly how much those administrative duties would cost. Either party can cancel the contract with 30 days notice.



Board member Corrie Scott said the administrative costs for nonprofits average 35 percent of budget.

“If the hospital could run at 10 percent, it would be very good,” Scott said.



The Foundation currently has assets of $180,000, said Hospital Administrator Randy Phelps.

Chairwoman Sue Lyster said the board should let it be known that the contract means the hospital is “operating far below administrative fees.”

“I’m comfortable with the agreement,” said board member Don Myers.

Public Relations Director Pam Thompson said the hospital is reviewing wages for its administrative position. The contract doesn’t specify how the hospital carries out the services, whether it’s hiring one or more employees as needed.

“We’ve developed a price on what we think is fair and reasonable,” Phelps said.

Cindy Biskup originally was hired by the Foundation as a grant writer. Biskup resigned, citing personal issues.

Thompson said the hospital since has changed the duties first assigned to Biskup.

The Foundation’s goal is to raise $1 million in three months ending Oct. 16 with a celebration.


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