Assisted Living facility near capacity

DAYTON–The Columbia County Health District Board was advised of a Washington State Department of Commerce grant; a net loss of $464k was reported for June; Rivers Walk Assisted Living is near capacity and revenues; and RoseMary's Place Child Care is at 50 percent capacity.

An expansion is planned to the Columbia Family Clinic with the help of a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce in the amount of $1,224,415. They will expand out the back side of the current building which will improve flow and function with only a few added staff expected.

Also reported was a net loss for June of $464,000 with net patient revenues being $254,000, lower than projected and deductions and allowances at $806k more than expected. CFO Matt Minor told the Board the financial situation is due to the overall "expanse" and money set aside for the contractual allowance and the bad debt because of the high amount in accounts receivables which according to CEO Shane McGuire went up $385k from May to June with days to collection at 62 which is not uncommon however it is financially unfavorable. Contributing reasons are being worked out that include issues with printing statements, patient registration errors, slow payers, and too many days before the claim is filed. Because April was a strong month for revenue, it has helped ease the financial strain of June's financials. Minor projected a reversal with better collections is expected. Board Chairman Bob Hutchens later added that during the Finance Committee meeting the previous day they discussed the challenges and are working through them with Minor and McGuire.

Operating expenses also continue to be higher than budgeted by $346k mainly due to salaries and benefits. Other contributing factors are costs of professional fees and supplies which were over budget $23k and $118k respectively.

Revenue from River's Walk Assisted Living was nearly $37k higher than budgeted which brings the year-to-date revenue for the facility closer to target. The facility is nearing capacity.

RoseMary's Place has been trying to solicit registrations for openings in their new childcare. However, only 20 spaces are filled which is merely half full. This is due to a cap on the State aid for childcare which limits who can receive assistance. The full cost of tuition is not affordable to many local families. Senator Maria Cantwell who secured $413k in funds to renovate the facility, visited on June 26 at which time staff were able to communicate the concerns over the low cap for assistance. She promised to work on the issue.