Hospital's September income breaks loss trend

DAYTON-The Columbia County Health System's (CCHS) Board of Directors held a general discussion on the 2025 budget to prioritize building and maintaining a sustainable cash reserve; were advised of the Columbia County Clinic expansion; approved by law changes; and other business during the meeting October 23.

The year-to-date positive net income is $1.63 million over budget. CEO Shane McGuire provided updates on the Columbia Family Clinic expansion and other initiatives. The board approved an amendment to their by-laws to update the mission statement of CCHS and to make additional changes concerning board vacancies and provider credentialing.

The September financial report indicated an income of $28,000, a positive net income despite both outpatient and inpatient revenues being down. However, the amount breaks the monthly loss trend. CFO Matt Minor attributed it to "favorable deductions from revenue and favorable operating expense...so it was really just a very good month from an operating perspective of operating efficiently." Of note, the assisted living facility had an above budget revenue of $11,712 and is $14,223 above budget for the year. The dental clinic is $300,000 over the budgeted revenue. CEO Shane McGuire added the year-to-date inpatient revenue is over budget by $1.9 million, though outpatient is lower than budgeted.

With that, the board discussed the priorities for the 2025 budget ahead of the budget meeting later this month. McGuire recommended they focus on building the cash reserve to 60 days cash on hand and a sustainable budget rather than moving ahead in the facilities plan.

Some initiatives are in the works including the expansion of the Columbia Family Clinic with a grant from the Department of Commerce for which the Board approved a three-year contract with Blue Room Architecture. According to McGuire the purpose of the expansion is to "improve clinic efficiency, increase access to care, and financially benefit the organization as a whole."