Jackson County hears medical care facility finances; Department on Aging reports fundraiser raised $28,000

Jackson County’s Human Services Committee received monthly reports from the county medical care facility and the Department on Aging, including a financial update for February and a report on a seniors fundraising event.

Destiny, director of the county medical care facility, told the committee February revenue was $55,785 above budget but expenses exceeded budget by $84,433, leaving the month’s net position about $28,648 behind budget. Year to date, revenue was $19,956 behind budget while expenses were $104,983 better than budget, producing a year-to-date operational position $85,027 better than budgeted; the facility remained in a deficit position overall. Destiny said census was ‘‘just barely behind budget’’ and later described a continuing steady upward trend in census.

The director said accounts receivable days were 55 with a goal of 54 and estimated cash on hand was 24 days after excluding funds earmarked for Medicaid and an additional $4,500,000 in MOE (maintenance-of-effort) funds. Destiny said an amended 2023 cost report found the facility had been overpaid about $1.29 per resident per day, which she estimated would total about $100,000 across the year; staff will discuss a possible budget amendment next month. To cover an open financial position while transitioning accounting firms, the facility arranged a three-month short-term contract with the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility controller to handle financials.

Commissioner Snell moved and Commissioner Bair seconded a motion to receive the medical care facility report; the committee voted unanimously to receive the report.

Danielle, director of the Department on Aging, summarized the department’s Soups on for Seniors fundraiser. She said the event drew about 265 attendees and raised more than $28,000, with sponsor counts increased to nine after Meijer donated $2,000. Additional late donations included $400 and $150 received when silent auction items were collected. The department also reported a raffle that raised $685 and partnerships with local restaurants and bakeries; the department plans to hold a 2026 event on March 10 at the American 1 Event Center.

Danielle also mentioned a short contract award from Wellwise Services covering two months and anticipated a follow-on award after the vendor’s April board meeting. She noted the Older Americans Act had been reauthorized at the federal level through Sept. 30, 2025, and said the department expects continued funding flow as administrations sort out administrative responsibilities. The department reported volunteer engagement by Eaton employees, who packed more than 500 emergency-meal bags and painted bowls for the 2026 event.

Commissioner Snell moved and Commissioner Willis seconded a motion to receive the Department on Aging report; the committee voted unanimously to receive it. The committee also voted unanimously to receive the health department monthly report and to pay county claims presented at the meeting; Commissioner Snell and Commissioner Williams moved and seconded the claims motion.