•The board approved the admission of Eden Lake Township to the hospital district and Joe Gruenes as its appointed representative. Eden Lake Township residents voted to join the hospital district 390-193 in November, and the township board, based on that vote, had voted to join the hospital district in December.

Their entry became official only after a 40-day waiting period elapsed during which time another vote could have been called by petition.

The entry of Eden Lake Township increases PAHCS's tax base by 20 percent, to $524 million. While PAHCS has never levied a tax, increasing the value of its tax base could enable it to borrow more and to borrow at better rates.

•CEO Steve Moburg reported that initial estimates of the proposed state budget cuts indicate that PAHCS could be affected between $250,000 and $750,000. In addition to reimbursement reductions, one of the governor's proposed budget items is a significant increase in the bed surcharge program. Nursing homes currently pay the state a yearly surcharge of $990 for each bed in their facility. If passed, the proposed increase would nearly triple that amount to $2,700, which would cost PAHCS over $200,000.

COO Tom Kooiman also voiced concern that the governor's budget would eliminate a major source of funding for seniors: alternative care grants. Administered at the county level, the program supplements the costs of housing for 70 percent of assisted living residents.

•The board was informed that construction at Washburne Court is now under way. This facility is being remodeled into 24 private units for assisted living. Kooiman said they hope to be finished within three to four months.

•Acute care administrator Bev Mueller updated the board on the current construction project. The revised target completion date is now mid-March. The new operating room is finished, and the remodeling of the existing operating room should be complete this week. Reception should also be finished this week. Cardiac rehab has moved to its new location, giving physical therapy, speech, and occupational therapy more room.

•Chairman Don Thomes informed the board that all correspondence received from employees at the Hilltop Care Center had been answered, and Kooiman stated that a process was in place to address employee concerns with wage scale adjustments.

•The board granted consulting privileges to Scott Swenson, M.D., (Radiology) and granted additional privileges to Dr. Steven Mulawka to perform total knee arthroplasty (knee joint replacement).

•The board recognized former hospital board members Mel Jones and Grace Peteler for their years of service. Neither ran for re-election in November.