At Thursday night’s meeting, the Morongo Basin Healthcare District Board of Trustees reviewed the yearly projected budget for 2021. Also, in a continuation of its meeting Tuesday, the board approved a plan for food distribution to Morongo Basin residents. Reporter Hilary Sloane has the details…
The Morongo Basin Healthcare District Board of Directors Thursday night reviewed a conservative budget projection for 2021. Due to the unknown factors created by the pandemic, such as paid family leave and sick leave, mandated by the government, the figures did not reflect COVID-19 expenses. Controller Debbie Anderson also noted that although patient visits dropped since March, when residents began self-isolating, government stimulus grants offset the loss and are still coming in.
In the meeting continued from Tuesday, the board approved a proposal by Joe Ruddon to create food boxes worth $100, including a $25 gift certificate, with the stipulation of no tobacco products, alcohol, or CBD products. The boxes will be stocked by MBHC District staff and volunteers and distributed by existing food pantries. The food banks will receive a maximum donation of $5,000 each.
