JCH employees to get raise

Employees at Jay County Hospital got an early Christmas present from the Board of Trustees — a 2 percent wage and salary increase and a bonus based on the hospital’s financial performance.
“Last year we were not able to give our employees a wage increase,” said Jerry Bozell, human resources director. After some study, Bozell said he determined, “Two percent is right for the area.”
Board president David Littler asked how Jay County Hospital’s wages match up against other facilities in the region.
“We’re competitive,” Bozell answered. “We’re not the highest by any means.”
Board member John Nill also asked about employee turnover, which Bozell said is also down, although he explained that the economy is a likely reason why people are sticking to their jobs.
“Turnover has really reduced,” he said. “It’s statewide. Facilities have very little turnover.”
The 2 percent increase will cost the hospital an additional $198,136 annually. The board passed the increase unanimously.
Immediately after the salary increase was passed, Bozell informed the board that due to performance last year the hospital could also offer a gainsharing bonus to employees totaling $253,654.
If the hospital meets certain performance requirements, the board can approve a bonus up to a 2.5 percent cap. The $253,654 this year represents the full 2.5 percent.
“This year we were fortunate enough to hit it,” Bozell said.
“In this economy, it should help morale a bit,” said board member Patrick Miller.
The board also passed the bonus payout unanimously.
In other business Wednesday, the hospital board:
•Heard the auxiliary report from auxiliary president Marilyn Post. In October, 79 volunteers put in 1,531 hours of work.
The auxiliary also raised $870.60 at the bake sale and $1,231.99 at the craft sale.
•Heard the financial report from chief financial officer Don Michael. The hospital had a net income of $123,047 in October.
Michael said he expects the hospital will receive municipal hospital funds totaling about $1.011 million this month.
•Approved a one-year farm lease with John Muhlenkamp for nine acres north of the hospital for $1,125.
•Approved an agreement with 3M to purchase advance beneficiary notice files for use with the new Meditech electronic medical records system at a cost of $9,393.94.
The system will print notices for patients for services that are not covered by their insurance plans.
•Approved a two-year service agreement with Sterrad for a sterilizer at a cost of $23,196.30.
•Approved payment of 843 checks and disbursements totaling $1,369,533.84.
•Approved a hospital business insurance package with Morrison and Galliher at a cost of $204,753.18.
•Approved a one-year fee agreement with Morrison and Galliher at a cost of $10,000.
•Approved purchase of two Steris IE wet sterilizers for the surgery department at a cost of $33,752.92.
•Heard a report from administrative assistant Beth Auker about the fall health fair. Auker reported that a record number of blood draws (707) were taken at the fair.
•Approved an amended contract with Community Fiber Solutions for fiber optic data line service.
The hospital approved a contract in October with Hometown Cable, which has undergone a name change to Community Fiber Solutions since that contract was signed. The contract presented was the same as the previous contract except for the name change.
The board also rescinded the old contract after approving the new one.
•Approved a contract with Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana, Berne, to allow the group to refer hospice patients to the hospital.
•Were informed by hospital CEO Joe Johnston that the hospital will host a healthy cooking class on Dec. 7.
•Informed the board that the hospital Christmas party will be held Dec. 3.[[In-content Ad]]