Robert Whitaker, CEO of Hila Regional Medical Center, told the Grant County Commission on Aug. 14 that the hospital closed the fiscal year with higher outpatient volume and a notable operating surplus that the hospital attributes in part to HDAA program funds.

“We ran an operating surplus of $3,300,000” for the month and “booked $41,600,000 as an operating surplus,” Whitaker said, explaining that year‑to‑date figures and some line items are driven by HDAA program allocations. Excluding HDAA funds, he reported a year‑to‑date operating surplus of $7,600,000.

Whitaker said the hospital’s board approved an amended operating budget and that the extra funds are being planned for facilities work and future capital projects. He reported that fiscal 2025 capital spending finished near $4,000,000 and said the hospital is scheduling capital work for the new fiscal year.

Whitaker announced three county town halls: Aug. 21 at the Veterans Memorial Business Conference Center in Silver City at 6 p.m., Sept. 11 at the Tyrone community center and Sept. 18 at the Round Up Lodge in “Memphis,” all to discuss operations and planned facility work. He said he will circulate presentation materials ahead of the meetings.

On staff compensation, Whitaker said the hospital used roughly $500,000 of the surplus for a one‑time share‑back to employees. “All full‑time folks…all got an equal amount of that share‑back. I think it was just under $1,400 for each employee,” he said.

Commissioners asked questions about Medicaid reductions and capital plans. Commissioner Stevens asked whether the hospital reserved funds for anticipated Medicaid cuts; Whitaker said the timing and Congressional action left uncertainty, and the hospital was monitoring the situation but had not placed specific balance‑sheet reserves for Medicaid reductions.

Commissioner Flores praised Whitaker and the board of trustees for changes in patient experience and transparency and supported the employee share‑back. Commissioners requested, and Whitaker agreed to, a hospital tour for commissioners to review facilities and projects in detail.

Whitaker also described several staff‑focused facility improvements, including a converted rest space for staff resilience and an expanded lactation room, and noted community engagement initiatives run under the Hila Regional Cares program, including cafe donations and a friends-and‑family day.