Samaritan Healthcare approves budget

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare did not increase rates as part of their approved $56.6 million 2007 budget.

Hospital President John White said hospitals often approve across-the-board increases for services in their yearly budgets.

"We're not doing that," White said.

A 1 percent increase in the hospital's levy was approved, which translates to an additional $11,000 in the operating budget. Residents currently pay 50 cents per $1,000 assessed value for a $1.1 million levy, according to the Grant County Assessor.

Inpatient days are expected to be up 2 percent next year, and outpatient visits are also expected to increase, translating to additional revenue from patient services.

The hospital plans to put $3 million toward its capital budget for 2007, $3 million in reserves and $1 million toward paying off the principal of its debt.

Capital projects are going to be presented in December or January, White said. The hospital wants the medical staff to look at the list to make sure the right items are purchased, he said.