Health West reports $8.7 million cash, positive monthly variance to Muskegon County committee

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Brandy Carlson, chief financial officer of Health West, told the Muskegon County Human Services Committee on March 11 that the agency had $8.7 million in cash in the bank as of Dec. 31 and total assets of about $10.2 million.

Carlson said Health West had set aside roughly $2.5 million in a building fund and reported net revenues over expenditures of about $11.3 million. "And overall, we are in a positive variance this month of a hundred thousand dollars," Carlson said, adding staff would continue to monitor finances.

Why it matters: Health West is a major local behavioral-health provider whose budget relies heavily on public funding. Committee members pressed staff on contingency planning in case of state or federal funding changes.

During a brief question-and-answer period, a committee member asked whether Health West was staying in touch with state and federal funders to anticipate cuts. Rich Francisco, executive director of Health West, and Carlson said the agency monitors grant and capitation changes closely. "Obviously 90% of our revenue is Medicaid dollars," Carlson said, noting that the agency examines what portion of funding is federal versus state and how staff changes could be affected.

Carlson presented additional materials, including a balance sheet for the main account, a client funds account status page and a revenue-and-expenditures report. She said the client-funds account was "status quo" and mentioned an increase in the Social Security asset limit that could allow some represented individuals to retain more funds in those accounts, potentially increasing balances there.

No formal action was taken on the financial report itself; the committee proceeded to two agenda items that included motions and votes.

The presentation and committee questions were recorded as part of the March 11 Human Services Committee meeting.