Budget submission approved with added communications and maintenance funds after quarterly finance review

Maryann presented the quarterly finance and operations report and said the system’s adjusted collection rate is up from this time last year and year-to-date collections exceed the budget by about $430,663. She reported $320,004.55 billed for the month and nearly $2,200,000 in cash in the fund as of February. "The adjusted collection rate actually is up from last year this time," Maryann said.

Director Bonner updated the group on operations and staffing, reporting 808 responses last month and explaining February’s shorter month skews comparisons. He warned the fleet is aging — citing injector pump failures and one transmission failure on vehicles with about 220,000 miles — and said that will increase maintenance spending: "Vehicles are getting old, and we'll talk about that when we get to the budget." He also identified three requested budget increases: fuel, vehicle maintenance, and medical overtime tied to current staffing levels.

Members discussed communications equipment and radios. One committee member recommended budgeting roughly $6,500 per replacement radio and adding funds for batteries and accessories; the same member suggested budgeting for multiple radios to ensure spares. The committee noted many items (cots, power loads, cardiac monitors) are covered under maintenance agreements and that radios remain the main uncovered communications expense.

A motion to submit the year’s budget with the amended communications allocation and other adjustments was moved and seconded. Members responded "aye" and the chair stated the motion passed. Separately, earlier in the meeting the board approved write-offs and bad debts totaling $6,020.32; Maryann noted a $19,253 insurance recovery check that will be reflected in an upcoming budget amendment.

The meeting adjourned after the vote; members said they will reconvene next month or sooner if further budget items require action.