Outgoing directors honored Journal-Democrat photo by David Swanson Retiring directors from the Syracuse Community Memorial Hospital district board were recognized at an open house and reception Sunday, May 4, at the hospital. From left are Mike Harvey, chief executive officer of the Syracuse hospital; Jean Ann Watermeier, who served eight years and Nancy Seelhoff, who served 12 years. Harvey said that he appreciated their work and service to the organization and community.

Syracuse Community Memorial Hospital district directors were updated last week on the preliminary budget.

Plans are to present a final operating and capital budget to district directors for approval in May or June.

Department expense budgets were completed by department managers. Revenues were projected based on current year numbers with adjustments for fee schedule changes and projected growth. Mike Harvey, chief executive officer, will review with department managers figures that were over budget.

Harvey presented to district directors the three-year projected capital budget. Items were placed on the capital budget from requests from department managers. In setting the capital budget restraints, Harvey utilized the projected depreciation expense as a basis. The district directors favored the calculation Harvey utilized for the capital budget with a contingency for unexpected expenses. Harvey will continue to modify capital budget requests with department managers to place priorities on requested equipment.

District directors approved the certificate of deposit schedule. They gave Harvey authority to determine where to invest certificates, depending upon optimal rates available from all local financial institutions. The schedule provides hospital officials with certificates of deposit that mature monthly, making it possible to add available funds to a certificate.

Credentialing was approved for Drs. Harpaul Bajwa, Kerstin Beach and Kim Coleman and Gil Watson, certified registered nurse assistant.

Minor changes to the organizational bylaws were approved. Harvey will bring the final draft of the bylaws for approval in May.

Harvey informed district directors on the progress of Phase 2 of the Dairyland computer system. Department representatives are working to accomplish some process issues. Phase I processes at both the hospital and clinic are going well.

Janice Stopak sent the U.S. Department of Agriculture loan to the department’s attorney in Kansas City, Mo., for review. The loan was scheduled for review. Harvey is completing necessary paperwork for the loan closing.