MEEKER | The Eastern Rio Blanco County Health Service District’s Pioneers Medical Center (PMC) board held its regular November meeting last week with all members present.
During the finance meeting, the board reviewed revenue, cash flow and billing issues. Janae Stanworth of PMC’s financial team reported year-to-date revenue remains below expectations. PMC stopped accruing revenue monthly around June, so only actual revenue is now recorded. Stanworth said staff are reviewing cases daily to ensure timely closure.
A cash decrease on the balance sheet reflected a completed $588,000 fiscal year 2025 withholding. The FY 2023 cost report was finalized with a $73,000 meaningful use payable. Outgoing CFO John Nadone discussed the 340B rebate program, warning of cash flow impacts as PMC must pay upfront at wholesale acquisition cost before submitting claims. Ovation representatives said pharmaceutical lobbying continues to complicate the program.
Cash improved to $3.7 million. Expenses for the month were $5.6 million, with a small positive income after audit adjustments. Year-to-date losses were roughly $2.8 million, softened by depreciation adjustments.
After the financial meeting, community member Sharon Day spoke, taking time to acknowledge the quality of care. “Regardless of all the problems this place is amazing,” she said, noting her family’s experience with surgeries and emergency care. She praised staff members, saying, “The staff has been amazing.”
Day detailed her volunteer work helping community members navigate Medicare changes. She described the collaboration between volunteers and staff and said, “We’ve helped so many people, and it’s been a wonderful collaboration.”
She also raised concerns over limited Medicare Advantage options in rural areas, explaining that the available Humana plans “are not going to work with any doctors that come out of Garfield,” which forces patients to pay “out-of-network copays, which are almost double.”
Day warned that some residents simply cannot afford necessary premiums: “It really makes my heart sad, because they’re probably not going to be able to pay the copays either.” She went on to address confusion among seniors, describing cases of people unknowingly switched to Advantage plans by unsolicited callers — one patient learned they were out-of-network after surgery.
Despite challenges, Day emphasized the benefits of Medigap: “They’re in wonderful shape, we have a Plan G and all we pay is premiums except whatever Medicare sets for deductible per year.”
Bobby Gutierrez also spoke during the public comment period thanking the staff but expressing frustration that “five people can’t change the will of the people” regarding the long-delayed transition to a seven-member board.
“The public’s business should be done in the public,” he said, criticizing repeated executive sessions and a lack of visible progress.
Board President Mark Schryver responded that “You’ll see movement on that very soon,” and the board later voted to remove the executive session from the agenda.
Some of that movement came Monday, Nov. 24, when 9th Judicial District Judge Anne Norrdin reviewed the hospital district’s resolution and motion for an ex parte order, ordering the board to increase from five to seven members. According to statute 32-1-902.5, elections of two additional board members will occur either at the next regular special district election (2027) or in a special election. Special elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in February, May of even-numbered years, October or December. Rarely, a special district may petition the court to hold a special election on a day other than those specified. The board will need to decide which option to pursue.
The board discussed replacing attorney Michael Santo. Board member Wade Bradfield explained that repeated public concerns about Sunshine Law compliance promoted the change, saying community members had brought up issues “multiple, multiple” times. He added the switch was “a step in the right direction.”
Board secretary/treasurer Sherri Halandras made the motion to hire Gardner Law as the new special district attorney asking that they take over employment law “when it’s appropriate.” The motion passed unanimously.
Later in the meeting the board heard updates starting with CEO Liz Sellers, including the relocation of the mobile nuclear medicine unit indoors to improve workflow and ongoing remodeling in Behavioral Health as a provider transitions to full-time LCSW status and requires a dedicated office. Staff expressed that they are “super excited” about progress on the strategic plan, and praised new surgeon Dr. Myers, noting he has “exceeded expectations.” Recruitment for CRNAs continues to be difficult, while the long-term care state review remains overdue, though staff assured the board they are “always ready.”
Sellers clarified rumors about the HR director, emphasizing he had not been fired but had been on medical leave, asking the community to “please give grace.” Employee housing remains mostly usable, though one unit requires a full gut due to tenant-caused damage.
Chief Nursing Officer Janelle Borchard gave a quick update. The Director of Nursing position has been posted and improved orthopedic case management continues to reduce last-minute surgery cancellations. Recruitment efforts are underway for mid-level providers to meet growing orthopedic volume, and the Walbridge Wing census remains steady at 28 residents.
She presented the annual state-required nurse staffing plan. The revised plan sets minimum staffing levels for the ED, Med-Surg and Surgery, though Borchard noted it offers limited flexibility and will not significantly reduce traveler use. She also reported that the latest CNA class did not produce new hires but remains a strong community offering for high school students, and clarified that the plan applies only to direct-care staff, with Wing staffing monitored separately.
