•The board was informed by CEO Steve Moburg that Pam Boettcher has been hired as the new business office manager. She was hired from a field of approximately 30 applicants. A new CFO has not been hired yet, but 59 applicants have been received for this position.

•The board heard a report from Moburg regarding a compensation survey being done for the Paynesville Area Health Care System (PAHCS) by Management Science Associates. This survey was deemed necessary by the administration and the personnel committee due to the fact that salaries vary greatly and that some staff are not being compensated fairly. The goals of the survey were to create wage scales that are externally competitive, internally equitable, and recognize longevity.

Moburg stated that compensation should be based on the job value to the organization. He added that there will be more consistancy in the pay scales in the future.

•The board was informed that five auditing firms have expressed interest in providing services to the organization. These firms will receive a request for submitting a proposal, with responses by mid-May.

"We want the best auditing firm that is the best fit for us," said Angela Meagher, an accountant in the business office. "We need someone with rural health care, long-term care, and clinic experience," she added.

•The board accepted the resignation of James Richter, M.D., from the medical staff.