Howard Memorial Hospital Board Approves 2026 Budget, New Appointments
The Howard Memorial Hospital Board of Directors held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday, focusing heavily on the hospital’s financial outlook and planning for the 2026 fiscal year.
Chief Financial Officer Bill Craig presented a detailed report on the hospital’s 2026 budget, outlining three major phases of revenue expected to support operations and capital projects in the coming year.
Craig noted that the hospital received a $220,000 payment on August 29th. Additionally, with the early payoff of the sales tax bond, Howard Memorial Hospital will receive $100,000 per month in October, November, and December as part of Phase 1. Beginning in January 2026, the hospital will enter Phase 2, receiving $150,000 annually . Craig said that approximately three-quarters of those funds will be applied directly to the 2026 operating budget.
The second major revenue stream includes $1,376,000 from the hospital’s sustainability plan, which will be used to support capital budget needs in 2026. A third source, patient-related revenue, was the result of a year-long operational effort focused on improving efficiency and billing systems.
Following Craig’s presentation, the board approved the FY 2026 Operating and Capital Budget. However, a stipulation was added requiring board approval for any purchases made under the budget. The motion passed unanimously.
In other business, the board also approved several medical staff appointments, including:
- Shalunda Sasser, NP – Compass
- Dr. Michael Hickman – Teleradiologist
- Dr. James McCarley – Teleradiologist
- Dr. Frank Damon Edwards – Emergency Services
- Dr. Frank Teed – Approved by the hospital’s medical staff