Indian River County Hospital District

Final Public Budget Hearing: September 21, 2023

MINUTES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT
Final Public Budget Hearing FY 23-24
September 21, 2023
5:01 PM

TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Kerry Bartlett
Karen Deigl Barb Bodnar
Paul Westcott- via zoom Michael Kint
William Cooney – via zoom

STAFF: Frank Isele Jennifer Frederick
Kate Voss Jennifer Peshke, Esq.

ATTENDEES: Bill Stengel Carol Kanarek Linda Kloss Elizabeth Adams
Anne Posey Cecilia Stalnaker
Kelly Williams Rene Bireley

ZOOM: Ann Marie Suriano Marie Andress Barbra Holbrook

Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman

Ms. Cunningham convened the final public budget hearing of the Indian River County Hospital District (“IRCHD”) at 5:01 p.m. She explained that once this meeting is adjourned, the District will convene its regular monthly meeting. Pastor George Pellington from First Methodist Church Vero Beach provided an invocation and Ms. Bartlett led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Review of the September 6, 2023, Budget Information FY 2023-2024, and Approved Tentative Budget

Mr. Kint addressed the board and stated that on September 6, 2023, the District Trustees adopted a proposed budget for FY 23-24 which included a proposed millage rate increase of 10.73%, when calculated as a percentage of the rolled back rate. At the same meeting, the Trustees chose to not increase this current year’s ad valorem tax rate of .5110 mills and this proposed tax rate equates to an ad valorem tax revenue of $13,572,748 for the next fiscal year. He further explained that this amount is an increase in ad valorem tax revenue of $1,618,601 from this fiscal year. Next, he discussed the purpose for which the ad valorem tax revenues are increasing and clarified that the ad valorem tax rate is not being increased. The increase in tax revenue is due assessed property tax values in Indian River County, which have increased oved 12%. Further, the District is carrying forward just over $9 million in cash, and the reserves and investments are increasing by $925,000. There is also an increase of $3,290,533 in program expenses over the current year budget, and an increase in administrative expenses of $69,500. He explained that inflation has had an impact on all of the District funded agencies and on District administrative expenses, which would justify this increase. Additionally, the District is adding 5 new organizations with 9 new programs to this year’s proposed budget. In responding to all of these needs, the District is utilizing its cash brought forward and the increase in property tax values, to hold the ad valorem millage rate level to the current fiscal year.

Adoption of FY 2022-2023 Budget Resolutions 2023-03 and 2023-04

Mr. Kint asked for Trustee and public comment and there was none. He then asked for a motion to approve Resolution 2023-03, which adopts a millage rate of .5110. Ms. Bodnar made the motion, which was seconded by Ms. Cunningham. The motion carried unanimously.

Next, he stated that before presenting resolution 2023-04, which adopts an operating budget for fiscal year 23-24, he would like to point out a few items for the record. He stated that the proposed budget presented tonight has been updated to reflect the projected annualized expense for the current fiscal year end. Specifically, the cash balance brought forward was reduced by $206,202 for a total of $9,077,780 and the healthcare contingency reserve fund was also reduced by $206,202 for a total of $1,290,979. These changes did not alter the millage rate, the increase over the rolled back rate, the ad valorem tax rate or the tax revenue approved at the September 6th meeting. He then asked for Trustee and public comment and there was none. Therefore, he asked for a motion to adopt resolution 2023-04 which adopts the budget of $13,572,748. Ms. Bartlett made a motion, which was seconded by Ms. Bodnar. The motion carried unanimously.

Public Comment & Adjourn

Mrs. Cunningham asked if there were any additional public comments and there were none. Dr. Cooney addressed the group and thanked Mr. Kint for his work during this budget process and appreciated the clarification he provided concerning the increase in ad valorem tax revenues. There was no further discussion, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:10 PM.

WILLIAM COONEY

SEAT 7

William P Cooney MD is an orthopedic surgeon (retired) who has been a resident of Vero Beach since 2004. He practiced orthopedic surgery at Indian River Medical Center from 2006-2015 within the orthopedic practice of Prosports. He served on the IRMC Foundation for four years. Prior to this, he was a Professor of Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota, Chair of the Division of Hand Surgery and Vice president of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. He served as the Vice Chairman of the Mayo Clinic Development Department. He has been President of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Orthopedic Research and Education Foundation, Consultant at Shrine Hospital systems. He was editor in chief of the Journal of Orthopedic Surgery and co-editor of the Journal of Hand Surgery. He held grants in hand and wrist surgery sponsored by National Institute of Health (NIH) and Stryker Orthopedics and has over 250 publications in the field of orthopedic surgery, hand, wrist and elbow surgery and microsurgery- free tissue transfers. Within Indian River County, he has served as Chairman of the Board and President of the Hope for Families Homeless Center, Board of the Indian River Hospital Foundation, We Care and Whole Family Health Center medical practices.

Term:  1/23-12/24

Origination: Elected (2 OC)

Occupation: Retired Surgeon

KERRY BARTLETT

SEAT 6

Kerry Bartlett,  of Vero Beach, has more than 30 years experience in philanthropy, including as vice president of the VNA & Hospice Foundation; VNA chief advancement officer from 2001-2007; and executive director of the Indian River Community Foundation from 2008-2014. Kerry is the founder of The Bartlett Company, which focuses on nonprofit and philanthropic consulting. She also is a managing director for Carter, a Vero Beach company that specializes in advancing philanthropy worldwide. Kerry has spent more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector as a fund development professional and has particular expertise in annual funds, major gifts, endowment campaigns and legacy giving. Kerry is also known for creating and implementing effective donor-centered stewardship programs that build, maintain and strengthen nonprofits’ relationships.

Term:  3/21-12/22   |   1/23-12/26

Origination: Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis
Elected NOC

Occupation: Philanthropic Consultant/Managing Director

KAREN DEIGL

SEAT 5

Karen has been President and CEO of Senior Resource Association, where she successfully advocates for older adults and their families, since 2006. In that role, she helps provide activities, education and services benefiting older and disabled adults in Indian River County. In addition, Karen provides oversight of the community mass transit system for residents and visitors of the county. As CEO, Karen is responsible for a $7 million operational annual budget and managing more than 100 employees. She ensures that fiscally sound and responsible solutions are created to provide healthcare and a better quality of life for all Indian River County residents. Karen earned a BS in Health Administration from Florida Atlantic University and an MHA from the University of Florida. She was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected NOC

Occupation: President/CEO

PAUL WESTCOTT

SEAT 4

Paul Westcott has been a Board Certified Workers' Compensation Attorney since 1999. In addition, Paul has earned his certification from the Florida Supreme Court as a Circuit Civil and Family Law Mediator. Receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science at Florida Southern College, he continued his education at Stetson University College of Law. He graduated from Stetson in 1988, having been a published member of the Stetson Law Review. Paul has been a member of the Florida Bar since 1988.  He began his practice in a combined civil litigation and transactional practice before serving as an Assistant State Attorney.  He began his career in Workers' Compensation with Rissman, Weisberg, Barrett, Hurt, Donahue & McClain P.A., where he handled Workers' Compensation cases at the trial and appellate levels.  In 1997, Paul opened the Ft. Pierce office of Hurley, Rogner, Miller, Cox, Waranch & Westcott P.A. handling workers' compensation cases at all levels throughout central and south Florida, while managing the operations of that office.  During his nearly 25 year career in Workers' Compensation, he lectured on a wide range of industry topics.


Term:  1/23-12/26   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC 

Occupation: Attorney & Mediator

BARBARA S. BODNAR

SEAT 3

Barbara has practiced physical therapy, specializing in orthopedics and sports medicine, in her hometown of Vero Beach since 1981. She was an integral part of the sports medicine team at Vero Beach High School for 35 years. Barbara completed the reserve police academy training, and served with the Vero Beach Police Department from 1982-1989. Her volunteer involvement in the community includes serving on the City of Vero Beach Recreation Committee, Arthritis Association of Indian River County, and the Senior Good Life Games. She and her husband, Michael, enjoy spending their free time traveling in their RV and training their Labradors, Gunner and Chase, in K-9 performance events, including agility and dock jumping. Barbara is a lifelong resident of Indian River County, and received her degree in physical therapy from Chattanooga State College. Barbara was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2016, and joined the Board in January 2017.

Term:  1/17-12/20   |   1/21-12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Physical Therapist

MICHAEL KINT

SEAT 2

Born and raised in Illinois, Michael was a Theatre and Speech Instructor at Lincoln College when he moved to Indian River County in 1984. He was the Director of Education for the Riverside Theatre for a decade, helping to build the Riverside Children’s Theatre and directing many productions. Michael is well known in the community for his 25 years of service at the United Way of Indian River County, 16 of those years as the CEO. He is very proud of his work with dozens of nonprofit agencies and his commitment to creating and strengthening community collaboratives. Michael was also an Adjunct Faculty member at Barry University for 20 years. He has served on many boards and committees over the years, including: Children’s Services Advisory Committee Needs Assessment, Chair of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program for many years, and he was a founding member of the Mental Health Collaborative, the Senior Collaborative of IRC and the IRC Executive Roundtable. As a Hospital District Trustee he is committed to serving all the citizens of our county. In particular, he hopes to see enhanced availability and affordability for behavioral/mental health for all in need.

 

Term: 1/23- 12/26

Origination: Elected 1 OC

Occupation: Retired CEO United Way

MARYBETH CUNNINGHAM

CHAIRWOMAN - SEAT 1

Marybeth’s professional career encompasses 34 years of working for GM/Delphi in a variety of positions. Starting out as a traffic claims clerk, she worked her way through the organization, with roles in Purchasing, Engineering, and Quality and Reliability. She retired in 2009 as the executive director of Global Operations for the Packard Electric Division of Delphi. In this position, she was responsible for 94 plants in 33 countries. Marybeth has served on the board of directors for numerous non-profits, including Northeast Ohio Adoption Agency; United Way of Warren Ohio, where she served as chairman of the annual campaign for two years; Up with People; Head, Heart and Hands of Indian River Club; Indian River Community Foundation, and the Indian River Mental Health Collaborative. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from Albion College. Marybeth was elected to the Indian River County Hospital District Board of Trustees in 2014, and joined the Board in January 2015. She currently serves as Chair.

 

Term:  1/15-12/18   |   1/19-12/22   |   1/23- 12/24

Origination: Elected 1 OC | Elected  NOC | Elected NOC

Occupation: Retired Executive GM