Log in Subscribe

Lohn rehired, Bunn given 6 months

Posted

There were no public comments at either budget approvals Monday night for Purcell Municipal Hospital or the City of Purcell.

The hearings were called for by Mayor Graham Fishburn at the Community Room of the Purcell Police Service Building.

Both were held prior to the city council’s regular June monthly meeting.

A complete breakdown of the city’s 2023-2024 fiscal year budget is in another story in this week’s Purcell Register.

The hospital is projected in the coming fiscal year to take in $9,325,047 in revenue and have expenses estimated at $10,200,148. Non-operating revenue is estimated to be $131,549 while the net is estimated to be a negative $743,552, according to hospital officials.

During the meeting PMH CEO Chris Wright addressed the council requesting a loan of $400,000. It breaks down to $100,000 each month from June through September to allow the hospital to meet financial obligations during lean revenue times.

The city had previously already loaned the hospital $600,000.

Wright said the $1 million will be repaid with proceeds from the sale of the old PMH facility.

During an executive session contracts were discussed for city manager Dale Bunn and city treasurer Victor Lohn.

Back in regular session, the contract for Lohn was approved  while Bunn’s contract was only extended for six months.

“After that, they will have to look for a replacement,” Bunn told The Purcell Register.

Bunn has been the city manager for the past 13 years.

No action was taken on purchase or appraisal of real estate, labor contracts between the FOP and the city or the IAFF Local 3596 (fire department).

Bunn said, “The council is considering whether to take bids on the old hospital or whether to have an auction.”

“They are also deciding to do it as one property or break it into different areas,” he continued.

The property appraises for $1.7 million with the building on it and $600,000 without.

The council tabled any action on a billboard on I-35 for the hospital and requested bids for five new pads at the Lake RV Park.

In his city manager report, Bunn said negotiations continue for properties in the I-35-SH-74 interchange project still targeted to begin in 2025.

Bunn reported the South Canadian lift station is operational with removal of the old equipment set to occur shortly.

Work continues on the South Green Avenue project with crews currently pouring bases for the new light poles.

Bunn said paving of the Sunray Baptist Church parking lot is scheduled to repay the church for use of their property for storing equipment while street work was being completed for the new hospital roadways.

Soon landscaping and an irrigation system will begin at the new hospital property.

Parks and Recreation Supervisor John Blue reported to the council that 215 people attended the Walk the Trail Day that was moved indoors due to weather conditions.

Blue reported around 200 hot dogs and snow cones were handed out including other prizes such as bicycles.

The playground opening has been set for August 19 to coincide with the beginning of a new school term. Blue said information will be included in the Thursday folders to inform parents of the opening.

In other action the council:

  • approved sale of an F-450 automobile owned by the Rural Fire Department.
  • approved the purchase of 35 new poles for the electric department.
  • approved employee health insurance with INSURICA.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here