In a recent Amarillo City Council meeting, the Amarillo Hospital District's budget for the 2025 fiscal year was approved, highlighting the district's ongoing commitment to providing essential healthcare services to the community. The budget, totaling over $12 million, is primarily focused on funding indigent care, which is mandated by state law to support residents in need.

The hospital district, which has not levied a property tax since the late 1990s, relies heavily on interest income from the proceeds of the sale of Northwest Texas Hospital to United Healthcare Services. This year, the district anticipates generating approximately $2.4 million from interest, alongside additional revenue from tobacco settlement proceeds and rental income.

A significant portion of the budget—$7.7 million—will be allocated to a contract with UnitedHealthcare Services to provide indigent care services through 2036. This contract remains unchanged, ensuring stability in funding for those who require medical assistance but cannot afford it.

In a positive development for public health, the hospital district plans to increase its annual contribution to the public health department by 3%, bringing the total to $2.06 million. This funding is crucial for maintaining and improving health services in Amarillo.

Additionally, the hospital district facilitates a local provider participation fund, which allows local hospitals to participate in Medicare programs. This initiative has proven beneficial, with anticipated assessments around $64.3 million this year, which will be matched by state funds to support local hospitals.

Looking ahead, the hospital district is preparing for the possibility of needing to assess a property tax in the future, as the remaining proceeds from the hospital sale are expected to last until 2036. Board members are proactively engaging with state representatives to ensure that any future tax assessments are reasonable and necessary to continue fulfilling their mandate for indigent care.

The approval of this budget reflects the Amarillo Hospital District's dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of its community while navigating financial challenges and planning for sustainable future operations.