By Mary Alice Murphy

Gila Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Brian Cunningham presented the first report to county commissioners at their one November meeting on Nov. 12.

"A couple of projects are coming to their end of contract," Cunningham said. "The contract for emergency room medical services with EmCare will end on Dec. 31. We are up to full speed with the transition to Innova, a regional group that will work with the hospital and the community to provide emergency room medical services."

He did not name another project.

Cunningham said finances for September, which are always a month behind to the commissioners, because the board of trustees meetings are late in the month, have improved to show $700,000 to the positive so far this fiscal year. "Our quality scores also continue to improve."

"With a small cushion, we can focus even more on quality of care and small construction projects that have been needed for a while," Cunningham said. "At the close of fiscal year 2013, the hospital was $9 million in the red. We understand our role in the community and the importance of physical and economic health to the community. This turnaround has been no accident. It has been because of so many supportive people. On October 24, we received verification from the state auditor that our fiscal year 2014 audit confirmed we had a positive $1.2 million bottom line at the end of FY 14. The incredible effort, a 14 percent swing in less than 11 months, was the result of efforts of so many people. This is with the clear understanding that we still have so much more to do. It is great news for Gila Regional and Grant County. I thank the commissioners for your support, your hard questions and the challenges you put in front of us."

He said, in addition to the bottom line increase, days of cash have increased from 109 at the end of FY 13 to 128 at the end of FY 14. "And perhaps most important, our average daily spend has dropped from $191,000 at the end of FY 13 to $174,000 a day today. We reversed the climb while quality went up. People should still be concerned in this challenging health care environment. We welcome input. We are not being complacent. Yes, we took a breath and got right back to work."

Detention Center Administrator Mike Carillo gave his report. He said the facility has one vacancy, and two newly hired officers are doing their field training. The facility was assessed on Nov. 5 and received verbal approval. The average daily inmate population for the month has been 59, four less than last month.

Road Superintendent Earl Moore said his department had all blades going and is continuing road maintenance.

County Planner Anthony Gutierrez said he attended an infrastructure finance conference, which focused on public/private partnerships for funding for projects. Part of it concerned water projects. He continued to work on capital outlay requests, which are due next Tuesday. At a Colonias Infrastructure Fund workshop he attended, although the county is just now receiving last year's awards, the group is requesting new applications for projects. "We may try to get major projects finished this year, before applying for other big projects." He also said he would promote the top three Infrastructure Capital Improvement Projects at the Prospectors forum in front of the legislators.

General Services Director Randy Villa thanked the commission chairman and county manager for attending the airport planning meetings.

"The fuel farm passed the environmental inspection," he said. "We have a trained employee ready to go when the fuel contract is approved. The runway seal project will begin next week. We want to get it done before winter sets in. We ran into issues on the skeet building at the Shooting Range, with timing for meeting with inspectors.

"The last day for use of the Business and Conference Center will be August 1," Villa said. "We may need a storage unit out at Bataan Memorial Park for chairs and tables. We have shut down the park's concession for the winter. We will remove the restrooms and put in PortaPotties.

"Terry Trujillo and I met with the cabinet secretary on aging," Villa continued. "We discussed capital projects. As for the fire departments, Tyrone VFD is complete, but waiting on an inspection."

Commission Chairman Brett Kasten said he thought the Business and Conference Center would close after graduation parties were over.

Villa said other events had been planned a year out, so it was determined that Aug. 1 would be the last weekend of use.

Kasten asked how long it would take to finish the renovation. Villa said he hadn't met with the architect, but "I'm guessing 8-12 months or longer. It depends on the scope of the projects."

Kasten also asked Villa if he were aware that the village of Santa Clara is taking over the former National Guard Armory building. Villa said perhaps it could be used as an alternate site for events. "I know Bataan Memorial Park is already getting scheduled. "

Sheriff Raul Villanueva said his department had been fairly busy. "I sent to the press a scam alert. The scam was from people saying the Sheriff's Department had a warrant for the person's arrest, but it could be paid off if they bought a $100 Walmart gift card. I warn the public that any phone calls they receive asking for money or personal information, they should verify before providing money or personal information. Several people have already been scammed."

He also thanked the community for voting for him. "I'm looking forward to being here for four more years and providing service to the community."

"I would like our parking lot potholes fixed, please," Villanueva said he would be happy just with fill dirt in the holes.

County Manager Charlene Webb said the county had received an A1 Moody's rating for re-funding the older bonds at a lower interest rate. "This is due to our audits being timely and the growth of the county," Webb said.

Commissioner Ron Hall congratulated the newly elected officials. "And the news on the hospital—super! We are in phase 2 of the continuum of care facility, talking to a contractor and the county manager to develop an RFP. I was pleased by the election process—I had people calling me asking me questions, and I could always get the answers from the Clerk's Office."

Commissioner Gabriel Ramos said the A1 Moody's rating was meaningful. "It shows the hard work to get the budget straight and our audits in on time. I also thank the hospital for all the hard work. I also congratulate the elected officials, and also those who ran, but lost. I thank the community for giving me four more years. I had an open door policy. Give me a call."

Kasten said the audit had been mailed on time. "Four years ago, when we took office, we were two years behind, but now we are caught up and sending the audit in on time. Kudos to all the candidates. I know how hard it is to put your name out there. I appreciate the community allowing me to serve you for four more years."

The next and only meetings in December will be held the second week, with the work session on December 9 and the regular meeting on Dec. 11.