The Ritzville Adams County Journal - Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887

RITZVILLE – The East Adams Rural Hospital will close out 2021 with a net proft.

During a virtual hospital board meeting Dec. 16, Chief Financial Officer Kimberly Polanco said the hospital district showed a net profit in November, and assured the board the district would finish the 2021 fiscal year in the black.

Historically the district has struggled to turn an annual profit.

“It’s been a good year, and we are making money,” board Chairman John Kragt said. “So, that’s a good thing.”

The board also heard from a physician who is enjoying the community.

Dr. Nelson McKay, who has been practicing in the district’s clinic since October, said he and his girlfriend are very happy in Ritzville.

“I am getting better training here than my contemporaries in other hospitals” said McKay.

In other business:

• The board approved the district’s 2022 operating budget, after public hearings held in November.

• The board took time in the meeting to recognize outgoing commissioner Ross Heimbigner, after eight years of service. In January Heimbigner’s commissioner seat will be filled by incoming commissioner Dan Duff.

• In an annual reorganization of leadership positions, Dan Duff was elected secretary and Stacy Plummer and John Kragt were re-elected vice-chairman and chairman respectively.

• The board went into executive session to consider and discuss the purchase of real property.