MINUTES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY HOSPITAL DISTRICT
First Public Budget Hearing FY 24-25
September 5, 2024
5:01 PM
TRUSTEES: Marybeth Cunningham Paul Westcott
Karen Deigl Barb Bodnar
William Cooney Michael Kint
Kerry Bartlett
STAFF: Frank Isele Jennifer Frederick
Kate Voss Jennifer Peshke, Esq.
ATTENDEES: Charles Mackett Ceclia Stalnaker
Kellie Hensley
Convene Meeting – Marybeth Cunningham, Chairwoman IRCHD
Mrs. Cunningham convened the first public budget hearing of the Indian River County Hospital District (“IRCHD”) at 5:01 p.m.
Review of the August 26, 2024, Proposed FY 2024-2025 Budget Information – Michael Kint, Treasurer
Mr. Kint addressed the board and stated that on August 26th On August 27, 2024, the Board of Trustees adopted a proposed budget with a millage rate of .7650. This represents a millage rate increase of 61.39% as a percentage of the rolled back rate and provides the District with ad valorem tax revenue of $22,445,137. This is an increase in ad valorem tax revenue of $8,871,832 from last year.
Next, he discussed the specific purposed for which ad valorem tax revenues are being increased and stated that Indian River County is experiencing significant population growth, which directly affects the demand for healthcare services. Coupled with ever increasing costs of healthcare, including the cost of medical supplies, staff, and facilities. This proposed budget is necessary to keep pace with these rising costs and to maintain the quality of care that all residents expect and deserve. Mr. Kint provided a few examples of the increased cost and demand for services. He stated that in the last 10 years, demand for essential primary care services has required a surge in financial support increasing District funding from $277,000 to $3.15 million. Additionally, demand for mental health services has grown significantly with District funding increasing from $664,000 to $4.23 million.
He further explained that the District plays a critical role in improving and enhancing community health and well-being. Investing in primary and preventative care is a proactive approach that can help reduce the need for more expensive emergency care in the future. It was further explained that while there is an increase of $2.6 million in program expenses in this proposed budget, the District received over $20.5 million in funding requests. The board spent extensive time reviewing those requests and were able to reduce the total amount by $1.6 million. Mr. Kint also pointed out that inflation has an impact on all the funded agencies, as well as District administrative expenses. In responding to those needs, the District is utilizing some of the reserve funds to offset the increase in expenses.
Mr. Kint asked if there was Trustee or public comment. There was none and no changes were made to the proposed tentative budget and millage rate.
Adoption of Tentative FY 2025-2025 Budget & Millage Rate- Michael Kint, Treasurer
Mr. Kint requested a motion be made to adopt the tentative millage rate of .7650. Ms. Bartlett made the motion, which was seconded by Ms. Bodnar. There was no Trustee or public comment. The motion carried unanimously.
Next, Mr. Kint asked for a motion to adopt the tentative budget of $22,445,137. The motion was made by Ms. Bodnar and seconded by Ms. Deigl. There was no Trustee or public comment. The motion carried unanimously.
Finally, Mr. Kint announced publicly that the millage rate as a percentage of the rolled back rate is 61.39%.
Public Comment & Adjourn
Ms. Cunningham asked if there were any additional Trustee comments. Dr. Cooney thanked Mr. Kint, Mr. Isele and District staff for their work during this year’s budget cycle. He stated that the Trustees should also be commended for their efforts as well. Ms. Cunningham asked if there was any additional public comment and there was none. She stated that stated that the District next Chairman meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 18that 10:00 AM. The Final budget hearing will take place on Thursday September 19th at 5:01 PM, with the regular monthly meeting being held immediately after the budget hearing. There was no further discussion and meeting was adjourned at 5:08 PM.
