News – Tuesday, September 2nd 2025

The Salem Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held a public tax hearing last Tuesday evening at 7:00 in the Doctor’s Library, prior to their regular meeting. The board voted to maintain the current tax rate of $0.24 per $100 of assessed valuation on real estate and personal property. State Representative John Hewkin attended the meeting, where he introduced himself, spoke about his time in office, and shared his legislative goals. He noted that he had toured the hospital to better understand its operations and expressed his strong impression of the facility. Representative Hewkin added that he hopes to secure an appropriation for the hospital, though he could not yet estimate the amount. Following approval of the agenda and previous meeting’s minutes, CEO Brooke Bollman presented her report. She highlighted future efforts to transition hospital employees from a self-funded insurance plan with limited coverage to a state-funded plan offering improved benefits, with implementation targeted for January 2027. Bollman also discussed work on strengthening the hospital’s revenue cycle, updating the website, and her recent interview with KSMO Media, available on the station’s YouTube page. She announced that September 8–12 will be Salem Memorial Hospital’s anniversary week, and booths and activities will be announced later. Operational reports showed a decline in inpatient admissions, which the hospital plans to address in 2026. Outpatient registrations and ambulance runs increased compared to June, while emergency room visits declined. For July, gross operating revenue totaled approximately $1.5 million, while expenses reached about $2.4 million, resulting in a net loss of $816,012.38. Net 340B revenue was $60,094, slightly lower than the prior month. The hospital currently holds 28 days of cash on hand. After financials were approved, Chief Nursing Officer Amber Hogan delivered her report, noting the launch of a nursing education series, Basic Life Support training for Dent County Jail staff, and the upcoming EMT program scheduled to begin October 7. She also reported that a grant request has been submitted to the State Homeland Security program for new handheld and mobile ambulance radios. Hogan further noted ongoing recruitment efforts for several RN and CRNA positions. Bollman then presented the Human Resources Report, noting two new hires and six resignations, and stated that departments continue updating the Employee Handbook. Kendra Mobray followed with the Quality and Risk Report, highlighting 31 reported events, most related to documentation errors, which remain an area of improvement. In new business, the board voted to retain Wipfli LLP as the new audit firm for cost reporting and audit filings. The board also approved the recruitment of two international lab technicians, from either the Philippines or Dubai, due to local staffing shortages. Each candidate will sign a three-year employment contract, valued at $15,000–$18,000, under an H1B visa. The hospital is working with UB Greensfelder LLP, through the Delta Regional Authority, to expedite this process with immigration counsel. With no further business, the board adjourned into executive session.

The Dent County Health Center Board of Trustees met Thursday evening, August 31st, at 5:00. Three of the five trustees were present constituting a quorum. The tax rate hearing was held, and Health Center Administrator Zach Moser presented the relative data received from the State Auditor and County Clerk. With no citizens present no public comments were made and a motion was moved, seconded and adopted to set the Public Health Levy at $0.0960 per $100 assessed valuation. The rate will generate an estimated $200,584 in tax revenue. Board member Dennis Floyd had another obligation at 5:30, which would leave the Board without a quorum, so Moser asked to modify the agenda and the modification was accepted by unanimous consent. Moser proposed Resolution 2025-R002, which is a Conflict-of-Interest ordinance. The resolution was approved by the Board. Resolution 2025-R004 was proposed to join the MOSIP investment program. After discussion a motion to approve the Resolution was made, seconded and approved. Moser then presented bids for CD’s from MOSIP, Bank of Salem, and Progressive Ozark Bank. A motion was made to invest $150,000 in a 9-month CD with Bank of Salem at 4.25% and $100,000 in a 1-year CD with MOSIP for 4.35%. The motion was seconded and approved. With all urgent business attended to and the imminent loss of a quorum, the remainder of the agenda was suspended, and the meeting was adjourned at 5:25.

The Salem Public Library will host their monthly Recollections meeting next Tuesday morning at 10:30 in the North Basement meeting space, located at 403 N. Jackson Street, in Salem.