Newton Independent

Skiff consultant gives dire report on hospital's condition; urges immediate action

By PETER HUSSMANN

Skiff Medical Center trustees were given a prescription to help heal the ailing hospital today but it remains to be seen whether the treatments prescribed will return it to a state of health.

The Newton hospital's board of trustees, along with about 100 doctors, upper management, Skiff staff and members of the public, crowded a meeting room to hear the findings and recommendations of a consultant hired to help right the reeling facility.

Bob Ruch, a healthcare consultant from Des Moines, spent Monday and Tuesday interviewing 17 hospital officials, including trustees, senior management and physicians after being hired by the board to help address the internal problems plaguing the hospital. While he acknowledged that his interview base was not a representative sample of the thoughts of all employees, it became clear early on what troubles the hospital faces.

"I knew by Monday at noon and if I would have wallked through the halls I would've known sooner," he told those assembled.

Ruch outlined three common themes that those interviewed identified as major problems facing the hospital:

• the collective leadership at the hospital is not working at its optimum level which has created an imbalance and disharmony within the organization.

• that the structure of the organization fails to provide for collaboration.

• should the conflict occurring continue, there could be irreversible damage to both the hospital and the community.

Those attending generally agreed with Ruch's analysis.

"It sounds like you're hitting it on the head," hospital trustee Gary Kahn said, who was connected by telephone from Florida.

The Des Moines consultant said the hospital needs to move quickly to address the problems.

"You don't have six months," Ruch said. "There is a lot hanging in the balance. You're playing for some very high stakes. This organization has the vulnerability to implode."

To that end, Ruch made three recommendations that he said should be enacted immediately.

First, he said, the Skiff board of trustees need to release a statement to hospital employees and the public that it is taking deliberate steps to address the issues. In addition, the board will need to give regular updates on its progress.

Second, he suggested the board quickly create an ad hoc task force of two board members, three doctors, including one hospital-employed physician, and the interim CEO to develop strategies for improvement that address the concerns and enhance communication.

Finally, he said the hospital should hire an outside consultant to conduct an operational assessment of the organization's's design. The study should look at the hospital's resource deployment and accountability and "look carefully at the size of the bus" so the hospital is providing the best services possible within its limited resources.

Ruch told those attending that the task ahead will not be easy. His "prescription for re-engagement" of staff, management, trustees and doctors is "going to take a lot of hard work." And not until the "current dysfunctional" state of the hospital is changed will the hospital be in any position to move forward on finding a permanent CEO replacement.

In assessing how the hospital plans to move forward, Ruch said, new and stronger relationship alignments need to be developed fora more horizontally focused organization. The alignment that needs to be addressed first, he said, is the relationship between the medical staff and the hospital board.

Though saying the hospital has a "major infection moving up and down the organization," he said employees have not given up on the possibility of a recovery. However, Ruch reiterated that concrete steps need to be taken immediately.

"You need to have some hope but you have to be careful or this hospital could close," he said.

Iowa Telecom will look for more acquisitions

Newton Independent

At Friday's teleconference with analysts discussing Iowa Telecom's fourth quarter, full year and what might lie ahead, company officials said acquisitions and mergers (or M & A in the lingo) in the coming year are a possibility.

Last year, Iowa Telecom bought two Minnesota telecom companies.

Here's a report on the matter you can read.

Skiff says it complied with nurse pay law

By PETER HUSSMANN

Officials with Skiff Medical Center said today that it has complied with state law concerning salary increases for its nurses from additional Medicaid funding it received from the state last year.

A statement from Skiff sent to the Newton Independent late this morning reads:

"Skiff Medical Center has acted in good faith to meet both the letter and the spirit of the Medicaid 1 percent law salary increases.

"Shortly after this legislation was passed, Skiff received a detailed analysis from the Iowa Hospital Association, whose staff members were present during the negotiations on this law. The IHA analysis explained very clearly that hospitals were to use this additional 1 percent to help fund increases for nurses, but were not required to provide bonus payments to nurses.

"The 1 percent Medicaid increase to Skiff Medical Center amounted to $16,613. Some hospitals have chosen to disburse that increase in the form of bonuses to nursing staff. Skiff elected to apply the increase to nursing salaries. On July 1, 2008, Skiff Medical Center nursing salaries were increased by $141,000. While nurses who received a bonus have likely spent them already, the increase in Skiff nurses' salaries is ongoing."

On Thursday, members of the state legislature's government oversight committee questioned hospital officials about whether or not the additional funding was directed to nursing salaries at the state's 34 largest hospitals across the state, including Skiff. Gov. Chet Culver also weighed in stating that the salary increase measure was a promise to nurses and that he hoped Iowa's hospital caregivers would receive the additional pay.

Consultant to present findings, recommendations at Saturday's Skiff board meeting

By PETER HUSSMANN

The conflict resolution consultant hired by Skiff Medical Center to probe internal problems at the hospital will present his findings and outline his recommendations to the board of trustees at a public meeting Saturday morning.

Bob Ruch, a healthcare consultant from Des Moines, said today that Saturday's meeting is designed as an educational session for the board and that he will discuss his findings from employee interviews and give his recommendations to address problems gleaned through his interview sessions.

The Skiff trustees hired Ruch to "review recent events that have weakened (the) hospital's mission and performance." On Monday and Tuesday, he held one-on-one, confidential sessions with trustees, senior management and selected medical staff personnel.

Those interviewed were asked to share their "views on perceived problems" as well as their "insights on possible solutions."

The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the in-service room A at the hospital. The meeting is open to the public.

Iowa Telecom reports drop in net income

Newton Independent

Iowa Telecom released its fourth quarter and full year earnings today which showed drops in net income for the quarter and full year.

The Newton, Iowa-based telecommunications provider reported a 13.4 percent drop in net income in the fourth quarter and a 21 percent drop in net income for the year.

You can read a news story on the earnings report here and Iowa Telecom's press release here.  A transcript of the earnings call with Iowa Telecom CEO Alan Wells and industry analysts can be read here.

Whirlpool loses patent case against LG

Newton Independent

Whirlpool Corp. was unsuccessful in securing a judgment against international competitor LG Electronics in a refrigerator patent case.

An International Trade Commission judge rejected claims that LG infringed on patents covered on Whirlpool products with ice storage bins in refrigerator doors.

LG has filed suit in Delaware against Whirlpool seeking monetary damages on its claim that its patents cover items used in Whirlpool products. That case is pending. Read more here.

Skiff board to hold meeting Saturday on 'hospital leadership accountability'

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees has scheduled a public hearing on Saturday morning to discuss hospital leadership accountability.

The rare Saturday board meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in in-service room A at the hospital. The only agenda item listed in the meeting notice is "board education on hospital leadership accountability."

The upcoming meeting follows today's closed-door session on "personnel matters." That meeting came on the heels of a "conflict resolution" consultant's arrival on the hospital campus earlier this week to meet with trustees, administrators and members of the physician community.

On Monday and Tuesday, a consultant met with selected individuals to discuss "conflict resolution" strategies. The consultant was hired to "review recent events that have weakened (the) hospital's mission and performance."

Those involved in the interviews were asked to share their views on the "perceived problems" at the hospital, as well as their "insights on possible solutions." Once completed, the board planned to discuss the consultant's "findings, along with recommended action steps for conflict resolution."

How the decision to hire the consultant, how much it cost and whether the findings will be made public are not yet known.

Governor weighs in on nurse pay issue

By PETER HUSSMANN

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver weighed in on the issue of nurses pay today saying Iowa hospitals need to keep their promise to Iowa nurses and make sure funds provided last year are being used for pay increases.

A state law approved last year designated that the Medicaid provider rate increase for hospitals be dedicated to nurses' wage rates, currently one of the lowest on average in the nation.

"Last year, I worked with the legislature to help Iowa nurses, by designating the Medicaid provider rate increase for hospitals to be used to increase their salaries," Culver said in a press release issued this afternoon. "Iowa nurses are among the lowest paid nurses in the nation, and we need to turn that fact around.

"This legislation only applied to 34 of the largest hospitals in the state, and I am disappointed that they have not all yet implemented this step to help their nurses during these tough economic times. While the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics acted quickly, I hope every hospital in Iowa covered by this legislation will make sure this additional pay, which the legislature and I promised, is going to hard-working nurses as soon as possible."

The Iowa Government Oversight Committee held a hearing on the matter this morning. A story on the hearing can be read here.

The Newton Independent has been contacted by Skiff Medical Center workers who have said no bonuses have been paid to the nursing staff as of this date. The Newton Independent has yet to hear from the hospital on its request for information.

Are Skiff nurses slated for bonuses?

By PETER HUSSMANN

State lawmakers are grilling Iowa hospital officials today over concerns that money earmarked in last year's budget for additional payments to Iowa's registered nurses may not have been paid.

The Government Oversight Committee met beginning at 10 a.m. today to hold discussion on the Medicaid provider rates related to nurses salaries. Greg Boattenhammer, senior vice president, government relations, Iowa Hospital Association; Joseph LeValley, senior vice president for planning and advocacy, Mercy Hospital administration; and Robert Downer, Board of Regents member and chair of the board's hospital committee were scheduled to meet with Iowa House and Senate members this morning.

State lawmakers say that $2.9 million in state money allocated as part of a $19 million Medicaid reimbursement increase last year was intended to go directly toward additional pay for nurses. Lawmakers now question whether the 34 hospitals designated for receipt of the additional funds actually paid the bonuses to nurses.

Officials with the Iowa Hospital Association say the portion of the money designated for nurses pay did not specify that it had to be in addition to scheduled salary increases.

Skiff Medical Center personnel contacted the Newton Independent after reading of the situation in Wednesday's edition of the Des Moines Register. They indicated no bonuses have been paid to the hospital's nursing staff.

The Newton Independent has contacted Skiff Medical Center to see if the bonuses have been paid or are planned for its nursing staff. Hospital officials have yet to reply. 

The Register story indicates that nurses at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics received a $200 bonus in December with two more planned in the coming months.

And here is a link to a Service Employee International Union's press release and press conference from last May in Iowa City lauding the efforts of state lawmakers in gaining the nurse's pay increase legislation. You can read and view it here.

Council approves budget, asks for review of public works positions, hotel/motel tax allocations

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council on Wednesday made quick work of adopting a 2009-10 fiscal year budget that includes sizable cost cuts that will lead to yet unknown staff reductions, though council members tipped their hand in indicating where they might like to see at least some of the positions eliminated.

In crafting next year's budget, city department officials were directed to reduce expenditures 8 percent across-the-board. The reductions became necessary when the city found itself facing nearly a half a million dollar general fund shortfall. In addition, the souring economy, coupled with this summer's high gas prices, has reduced the city's road use tax fund reimbursement from the state approximately $200,000.

The impact of the city's financial bind was offset to some degree by a $25 million increase in taxable values. Calculating the tax rate needed to meet operational costs next fiscal year results in a levy of $15.65 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, the same rate as the current year.

However, a 3.4 percent increase in the residential rollback means Newton residents will see a small increase on the city's share of the total tax bill next year. A homeowner with an assessed value of $100,000 will pay $713.47 in city taxes for 2009-10 compared to $689.85 in the current budget year, a $23.62 increase. City taxes account for approximately one-third of a homeowner's total tax bill.

Local residents will also see an increase in the cost of solid waste and recycling collection on their water bills beginning July 1. The monthly charge will jump 15 cents to $10.60. The increase will generate an additional $10,525, city budget documents indicate. Users of city leaf bags will also pay more with the cost of an individual bag jumping from 60 to 80 cents.

While council members were fine with the financial figures city officials presented in next year's budget, they were not necessarily supportive of the methods developed to meet them. The council has directed Interim City Administrator Tom Wardlow to conduct an organizational analysis of the city's structure in an effort to streamline operations and generate long-term savings. Prior to the start of the next fiscal year July 1, council members will identify which positions within the city will be eliminated, be allowed to go unfilled and not replaced through attrition.

Wardlow will be seeking direction from the council on where he should focus his efforts on the study when the council meets Monday. However, council member Ron Foreman said at the budget hearing Wednesday that he wants the administrator to look at a possible reorganization of all departments under the umbrella of public works. He specifically said he wants a review of all non-bargaining unit positions within those departments.

Foreman also said he wants the council to review the current allocations of the city's 7 cent hotel/motel tax.

Currently, the revenue generated from the first 5 cents of the 7 cent total is allocated to three organizations. The Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau receives 56 percent, Westwood Golf Course receives 27 percent and the Newton Development Corporation receives 17 percent.

In 2005, the council raised the hotel/motel tax rate to 7 cents with the stipulation that the first $75,000 of the additional revenue generated from the higher rate will go to the Newton Development Corporation with any remainder to be used by the city in any legal capacity. The agreement with the NDC runs through the end of 2009. City officials said today that the 2 cent increase has never raised the $75,000 since its inception, though "it's gotten close."

Total revenue generated by the hotel/motel tax in the 2007-08 fiscal year was $246,326.63.

City councilman Mike Hansen, who voted no on the budget Wednesday, asked for future council consideration of changing the Newton Park Board from an elected to appointed commission.

Skiff board discusses CEO search, tables donation to NDC

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees will review the current chief executive officer's job description, its candidate profile and look at information on search firms when it meets in March to continue discussion on how to go about finding a permanent replacement for the Newton hospital's top post.

Board members today held discussion on filling the open CEO position but came to no firm decisions on what course to follow.

"I hope today we may get a sense of direction on how we may want to head," acting board chair John Lee said.

Nancy Noth, from her winter home in Florida, noted that the hospital board had just two years ago gone through the process of hiring a CEO. She suggested the board review the job description developed for the position as well as the candidate profile the board had developed in its previous search.

"We should review these to see if it's still what we want," she said, noting the "heavy work load" for board members and hospital staff in conducting its own chief executive search.

Lee said he had talked to board member Gary Kahn, who was not at today's meeting, earlier in the day and the though of looking at seeking assistance from an outside search firm came up.

But board member Jeff King said he'd prefer to keep the search in-house.

"I'd prefer to keep it in-house," he said. "We have the expertise. Searches can become really expensive and it's hard to communicate exactly to an outside firm what we want."

Lee agreed, noting the support of board members in keeping the search local and Iowa based due to potential candidates' familiarity with the Iowa health care system. However, he said, doing it in-house doesn't necessarily assume that the board would get the results it wants.

"It would be better if we could keep it local but we just did that and it didn't turn out as well as we had planned," he said. "Cost is a big factor but it is critical at this point to have the right leader. We don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish."

The job description and candidate profile developed prior to Kris Baumgart's hiring two years ago will be provided to trustees prior to March's regular board meeting. Human resource officials were directed to gather information on search firms for board members to review when it meets in March.

In other business, the board tabled a request by the Newton Development Corporation that the hospital donate $10,000 for the NDC's local economic development efforts.

Lee said that due to the hospital's current financial condition, a $10,000 donation this year might not be possible. He suggested that the board consider a lesser amount, although he did not suggest total elimination of a donation. Last year, he said, Skiff was one of the higher donors to the NDC.

"I think it would send a message if we didn't give anything," Lee, who's wife was the former executive director of the NDC, said.

King suggested tabling the matter until the board could find out what other firms are donating so the hospital would have "a better idea of where we fit in."

Noth will contact Frank Liebl, the NDC's interim director, to get the information to board members for discussion at its March meeting.

Former Newton attorney enters guilty plea for failing to file tax returns

By PETER HUSSMANN

A former Newton attorney and member of the Newton Park Board plead guilty last week to two counts of fraudulent practices for failing to file state income tax returns.

R. Eugene Knopf entered a guilty plea to the state charges on Feb. 19 at a hearing before Judge Glen Pille in Polk County District Court. Sentencing is set for April 23 in Des Moines.

Four counts of fraudulent practices in the second degree were filed against Knopf in April 2008. The state alleged that Knopf failed to file state income tax returns for four consecutive years between 2002 and 2005. Court records further allege that Knopf did not file tax returns with the state between 1993 and 2000, though no charges were brought concerning those time frames.

Knopf, whose law license has been suspended involving another situation, the court records state, represented himself on the felony charges. He initially brought a selective prosecution defense but his request for documents pertaining to the state's prosecution of others on similar charges was denied.

Fraudulent practices in the second degree is a class D felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $7,500 fine.

Should Knopf be adjudicated a felon, he would be required to step down from the park board. His term expires at the end of the year.

Skiff board to hold closed session on 'personnel matters' Thursday

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees will hold a closed session at 8:30 a.m. Thursday to discuss personnel matters.

No other information was provided with the agenda notification.

The meeting will come a day after the board meets in regular session at 11 a.m. Wednesday. One agenda item before the board Wednesday will be discussion on how to move forward on a permanent replacement for the chief executive.

Monday and today, a consultant has been meeting with local doctors, trustees and top administrators on "conflict resolution" strategies. The consultant was hired to "review recent events that have weakened (the) hospital's mission and performance"

Those involved in the interviews have been asked to share their views on the "perceived problems" at the hospital, as well as their "insights on possible solutions." Once completed, the board plans to discuss the consultant's "findings, along with recommended action steps for conflict resolution."

How the decision to hire the consultant, how much it cost and whether the findings will be made public are not yet known.

News Tidbits: Who's going to pay the taxes? And its all about timing

By PETER HUSSMANN

A little more information has come to light on the old Hy-Vee West building that its owners are trying to give away to the city or county - but as of yet with not much luck.

First there's the problem of the overdue taxes on the building and who's going to pay them. Hy-Vee operated its grocery store on the west end of town for decades but never owned the property. It paid taxes on the building like an owner would but paid nothing in taxes on the ground upon which the building sat.

Taxes to the tune of $7,141 due last September have yet to be paid with another installment of $6,643 due at the end of next month. Hy-Vee apparently is saying that it had vacated the building and terminated the contract with the owners of the property prior to the taxes being due so doesn't owe a thing.

But the owners of the property (members of the extended Dunitz family for a long time but since March 2008, the property has been owned by TNJ, LLC, whose registered agent is Jeri Dunitz), apparently are saying the taxes owed at present are to cover values on the building from 2007.

No litigation has been filed, as yet.

Timing is Everything

They say timing is everything but we'll have to wait to see if this proves true.

On Wednesday, the Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees will be asked to donate $10,000 to the Newton Development Corporation, the same donation they made last year.

In a memo to board members, Interim NDC Executive Director Frank Liebl makes note of job creation and retention efforts assisted by the local non-profit group's efforts. He cites the opening of TPI ("they have now filled 65 percent of the 500 jobs promised," he says) Trinity Towers starting production late last year in a portion of the former Maytag Plant 2 building ("over half of the 140 jobs have already been filled," he notes) and that Caleris is employing 150 people in its call center operation at the Iowa Telecom headquarters with plans to may add 25 to 30 employees.

"All of this was made possible with the support we received from you, the city and many others," Liebl writes. "Last year and for the past several years Skiff Medical Center has graciously made an annual investment of $10,000, which we are very grateful. We are hoping to receive a similar amount in 2009. There continues to be a great amount of interest in Newton, as we are confident we'll continue to have more successes in 2009 and beyond."

And Finally

The City of Kellogg was awarded a $2,500 Keep Iowa Beautiful grant from the the Iowa Department of Transportation. Nine communities statewide received funding totaling $20,658 this year for beautification efforts. The funds are derived from an Iowa income tax checkoff. This the sixth and final year of the program. You can read more here.

Supervisors to appoint Johnson's replacement

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors agreed today to appoint an individual to fill the county attorney position left vacant following the death of Steve Johnson last week.

The board directed the county auditor to publish its intentions by March 5 with the earliest appointment date coming March 10. The board has until the end of March to make the appointment.

Whomever is appointed by the supervisors will fill the position for the remainder of Johnson's term, which expires at the end of 2010. The next general election for the position is in November 2010.

Board members cited the cost involved in deciding to make an appointment rather than having a special election. Election officials estimated a county-wide vote would cost approximately $20,000.

After the appointment local residents have an opportunity to force a special election by filing a petition with the county auditor within 14 days of the appointment. The petition would need the signatures of 1,942 eligible county voters to force a vote to fill the position for the remaining time on Johnson's term. If a vote is called, local Democrat and Republican party members would select candidates to run for the office.

The board appeared to be leaning toward making an appointment at its earliest opportunity. Assistant County Attorney Mike Jacobsen is considered to be the leading candidate to fill Johnson's unexpired term.

School board hears of proposed teacher cuts

Newton Independent

Hurt by declining enrollment and reduced state aid, the Newton School Board heard a proposal that would slash nearly three-quarters of a million dollars from next fiscal year's budget by eliminating teaching positions, classified staff members and an elementary school section.

Under the plan, which has not been finalized, the district would not replace three retiring teachers - a high school guidance counselor, an elementary vocal music teacher and a high school social studies instructor. In addition, the plan calls for the elimination of 2.5 high special education teachers, an orchestra instructor, an elementary special education position and a high school industrial technology instructor.

In addition, the district is looking to make $118,000 in reductions to the district's classified staff and close one section at an elementary school. The total cuts amount to $742,000.

The impact of declining enrollment on the district has been significant. In the past 10 years, the district has seen a decline of 352 students. This year alone, the district's certified budget enrollment is down 60 students from last year with a corresponding reduction of $342,000 in state aid. In addition, the certified special education student count is down a like figure - due to changes in the weighting system - which also has $342,000 impact on district operations. And Gov. Chet Culver's across-the-board cuts to this fiscal year's state budgets cost the district in excess of $220,000.

The board will consider the proposal again at its March 9 meeting.

Bell, Bishop push for new mobile home tax debt collection powers

By PETER HUSSMANN

Owners of mobile homes who are delinquent on their taxes would be unable to renew their vehicle registrations under a measure being pushed at the statehouse by Rep. Paul Bell, D-Newton, and at the courthouse by Jasper County Treasurer Doug Bishop.

House File 249, introduced by Bell at Bishop's and other county treasurer's request, would force mobile home owners, as well as owners of manufactured residential structures, to pay any back property taxes, overdue fines or fees before being allowed to renew their license plate tags.

Bishop said county treasurers across the state are in the process of calculating the exact amount of delinquent taxes on mobile homes. In Jasper County, 66 mobile home properties are delinquent on $10,064 in property taxes, 23 percent of the 293 total mobile homes in the county. The statewide average is pushing 30 percent with the delinquencies totally hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said.

Bishop said the issue is a matter of fairness. He said that by collecting the delinquent taxes, cities and school districts, as well as counties, would benefit from the added revenue.

Properties with overdue taxes are currently subject to tax sales. Individuals purchase certificates on the properties and are paid interest on their investment once the taxes are paid. If nonpayment of the taxes goes on for an extended period, the certificate holder can make claim to the property.

However, mobile homes receive few bidders for the tax certificates. Investors consider them poor investments because many of the properties with overdue taxes are of little value should the certificate holder take deed of the home. In addition, many mobile homes sit on leased land. And finally, Bishop noted, tax certificate holders have even found that the properties have disappeared when attempting to take possession of the home.

Mobile homes and manufactured houses are taxed on a flat rate based on year built and square footage.

Skiff to consider returning ride program coordination to RSVP

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees will discuss the possibility of returning the coordination of the Jasper County Rides program back to RSVP as a cost-saving measure when it meets at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the hospital.

The program teams volunteer drivers with individuals in the county who need transportation to medical appointments locally and throughout central Iowa. Drivers also provide transportation services for the users to conduct other necessary business.

The trustees discussed the issue briefly last month but tabled the item and directed hospital staff to provide additional information pertaining to the history of the program, its costs to the hospital and various transportation destinations.

According to information provided to the board, Skiff became involved in the program in 2004 when the hospital agreed to provide workspace, a telephone and a computer for the United Way-employed ride coordinator. The hospital also agreed to pay mileage fees for the volunteer drivers.

A year later, the rides coordinator became a part-time employee of the hospital. Specific individuals handled the coordination duties on a 12-hour per week basis until August 2008 when the coordinator left Skiff's employ. The position was not filled and the responsibilities shifted to existing Skiff employees.

Information provided to the board indicates that 461 rides were given by volunteers to county residents last year. The largest percentage (24 percent) of rides (111) were for trips to Skiff, although a significant percentage (18.9 percent) were for medical visits to Des Moines (87). Trips for miscellaneous errands, such as banking and grocery shopping, accounted for 18.8 percent of the trips and amounted to 82 rides for the year. Mileage costs for the year amounted to $9,176, but more than half ($6,772) were for trips outside of Newton.

In its memo to the trustees, hospital officials say the current method of coordinating the Jasper County Rides program is "unsatisfactory."

"For us to continue the program would require adding 12 hours a week to someone's part-time schedule or hiring someone for that number of hours," the memo states. "In our current financial situation, this does not seem prudent, as the rides program is not core to our mission."

While hospital officials acknowledge the program as "a valuable service to the citizens of Jasper County," they note that it "does not significantly benefit Skiff Medical Center."

"Our cost to run the program is roughly $54,000," the board memo states. "We receive no direct revenue from the program and would likely not lose any indirect revenue should the program be discontinued. However, we are not suggesting it be discontinued altogether, but rather that it be given back to RSVP to coordinate."

Wendy Jenkins, RSVP director, said today that she has not discussed with anyone from the hospital the possibility of returning the program's ride coordination responsibilities to her organization.

"No one has called, no one has said a word," she said after being called by the Newton Independent to see how such a move might impact RSVP.

Jenkins said that since she's been director of RSVP, Skiff has handled the ride coordination duties for the program. She said she lines up volunteer drivers for the program, which currently stands at 18.

She said at this time she does not know what impacts a return of the program coordination to RSVP might have on the agency.

"I wouldn't know if we could handle it," Jenkins said. "Our budget is small, too."

RSVP receives funding from the city (which plans to cut its contribution 8 percent next fiscal year), county, United Way and state and federal sources.

Jenkins agreed that the program is valuable for those that use it and the volunteers who provide the rides.

"I'm not sure what some of those people would do if they couldn't get the rides," she said.

Whirlpool CEO's salary cut in half, to $6 million

Newton Independent

Thanks goes out to an alert reader of the Newton Independent for pointng this little item out. The man that orchestrated the takeover of the Maytag Corp. by Whirlpool had his total salary cut in half, down now to a paltry $6 million a year.

Whirlpool's stock price has tanked in the recession, falling from a 52-week high of more than $95 to $26.25 at the close of trading on Friday. The company recorded three consecutive days of new share price lows last week. Friday's closing was up.

To read how out of whack things really are, go here  This site is even  better.

It looks like Mr. Fettig is going to have to buy that cheap Wal-Mart bread now.

Ser

Opinion: Hopefully the 'conflict resolution consultant' can cure Skiff

By PETER HUSSMANN

That Skiff Medical Center is sick is a given. What it suffers from, how it acquired it and what remedies might be used to cure it remain open for discussion.

While most Skiff employees might dispute the latter half of that paragraph, that's the assumption the board of trustees appears to be operating from as it prepares for its "conflict resolution consultant" to begin work Monday on offering a second opinion on a cure to what ails the Newton hospital.

That the hospital has authorized the "assistance from an outside consultant to review recent events that have weakened (the) hospital's mission and performance" might come as a surprise to Skiff employees who just last week heard the trustees drop plans in the works to hire an interim chief executive and put on hold any thoughts of an organizational analysis on its operations. That a "healthcare conflict resolution consultant from Des Moines will be conducting 45 minute, one-on-one interviews with trustees, senior management and selected medical staff beginning Monday, Feb. 23" might be an even bigger surprise. (I wonder what Mary Ellen Faircloth will think if she has to learn about this on "some blog.")

Those involved in the interviews will be asked to share their views on the "perceived problems" at the hospital, as well as their "insights on possible solutions." Once completed, the board plans to discuss the consultant's "findings, along with recommended action steps for conflict resolution."

And it goes further. After the interviews, the consultant will "meet with the board to initiate a course of action that addresses these problems."

How the trustees, or whomever, got this done outside the purview of the public eye is beyond me. (Well, actually it's not. They're called "walking quorums," something I've railed about in conjunction with other local governmental decision-making processes in the past.)

The plan appears set. And it's not too difficult to imagine what the "conflict resolution" consultant's findings will be. The top administrators and at least some trustees will complain about the riff-raff hospital employees stirring the pot while the "medical staff" invited to participate will make note of its lost confidence in the hospital's top management. What "course of action that addresses these problems" remains the big unknown, though I've never found a paid consultant unwilling to give exactly what the payer expects.

And that's where this all rests. We'll soon see who's calling the shots.