HCAA officials outline budget shortfalls, request $25,000 from county to cover payroll gap

Representatives of the Hardy County Ambulance Authority (HCAA) told the commission the transition to the 2026 budget exposed a cash‑flow shortfall and an outstanding Medicaid audit billing that together have left the authority roughly $25,000 short of what it needs to complete the fiscal transition.

“The bottom line is … we are out of balance by $25,000 to get into 2026,” a representative said, citing an extra pay period not accounted for in the month‑by‑month breakdown and a Medicaid billing adjustment that could reduce receivables by roughly $40,000–$45,000 to the authority.

Officials described steps taken to tighten labor costs and other line items; they said service revenues have been uneven and that March and April showed lower cash receipts than comparable periods last year. One official said the authority had received a $10,000 cash payment that day but that Medicare/insurance payments remain irregular.

Officials requested a $25,000 county infusion to meet upcoming payroll and obligations. Commissioners discussed cash‑flow timing, improved budget tools and the operational steps being taken; the presentation emphasized that the request was intended to bridge a timing shortfall rather than fund new recurring programs.

The transcript records the request and discussion but does not include a formal recorded vote on the $25,000 request in the available audio. County staff and HCAA officials indicated further reporting and follow‑up would occur.

Action: HCAA formally requested $25,000 to cover payroll and obligations; transcript does not record a completed vote on the request.