County: Hillcrest budget needed before Friday

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Red Willow County Commissioner Vesta Dack told Hillcrest Board of Trustees that a budget from the facility needs to be done before Friday.

"This should have been a long time ago," Dack told the board at its regular meeting Tuesday morning. "I'm not trying to be hard...but (the Commissioners) have to know because we have the money on the line." Dack was referring to the $1 million the county borrowed for the nursing home facility, so it could meet cash flow problems that occurred when Medicare and Medicare claims from Hillcrest were not filed or filed incorrectly for three months.

Interim Hillcrest administrator Jerry Rothmeyer, a retired nursing home administrator who was hired by the Board of Trustees when the prior administrator, Peggy Rogers, unexpectedly resigned in May, told Dack that a budget would be ready by Wednesday. Hillcrest operates on its own revenue but is owned by the county.

Dack reiterated the importance of Hillcrest getting a budget to the commissioners, as the county is unable to complete its budget until Hillcrest's budget is received. She also asked for a weekly or bi-monthly report of expenses and costs.

"Anything we can do to help, we want to do, but we can't do that if we don't know where you are," she said. "You, as a board member, know what your cash is and expenses are. We need to see that at least two times a month so we can keep better track." Rothmyer said a bi-monthly cash flow analysis can be provided to the commissioners.

Dan Miller, Red Willow County's budget assistant, was also present at the board meeting and said the sooner Hillcrest submits a budget, the better, so if there are any questions they can be addressed promptly.

Board of Trustee member Randy Dean asked that Hillcrest's budget include funds to implement federally-mandated electronic requirements, that need to be in place by the end of next year, as a capital outlay project. That way, the funds can be budgeted but not necessarily spent.

On Monday, Red Willow County treasurer Marleen Garcia told commissioners that of the $1 million loan, Hillcrest has used $773,673 to pay construction payments and payroll, and has $60,759.62 left.

Hillcrest officials have assured commissioners that facility revenues will be sufficient to pay the nursing home's operating costs and repay the loan.

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