Commissioners press MetroCare for documents after audit flags operating shortfalls

County leaders told MetroCare officials and staff they need clearer financial detail after an audit and recent board changes raised questions about operating liquidity.

Commissioner John W. Price summarized audit figures presented to the court and said the documents suggest a significant net operating deficit and limited unrestricted cash on hand; the court heard that MetroCare’s restricted construction funds should not be treated as available operating cash. Commissioners cited a roughly $21 million net operating deficiency and referred to an audit showing a roughly $23.8 million loss in the prior fiscal year, and asked MetroCare’s board to reconcile restricted versus available funds and provide a detailed plan for covering debt service and operational obligations.

Court members also noted turnover in MetroCare leadership and said hiring decisions, capital investment in new facilities and revenue‑recognition timing (including a large public‑health provider charity pool) merited close review before the county takes further action. One commissioner said the board had convened recent meetings and was analyzing discrepancies in its financial statements; another said the court should not ‘‘fiddle while Rome is burning’’ and pressed for prompt transparency.

Action and next steps: Commissioners asked MetroCare’s board and staff to assemble requested documentation, directed county staff to share any materials it receives with the court, and signaled they will review MetroCare’s response after the provider’s next board meeting. No county appropriation or corrective action was voted in open session at this meeting.

Sources: Court discussion and readouts of MetroCare audit materials during the March 2026 term.