In a remote session, the Morongo Basin Healthcare District Board yesterday voted to apply for a small business payroll protection loan and declare a local emergency. Reporter Hilary Sloane is here to give you details…
In yesterday’s on-line meeting, the Morongo Basin Healthcare District Board took action to prepare for expected difficulties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The local emergency designation will allow the District to use up to $500,000 from non-budgeted funds for personal protection equipment, testing supplies, and personnel salaries.
With clinic visits down by 50 percent, this loan will guarantee staff jobs. If all employees are kept on, a portion of this loan will not have to be repaid. The loan, intended to pay eight weeks of payroll costs, may be up to $1 million. The Board voted three to two in favor of applying for a small business paycheck protection loan. Directors Joseph Sullivan and Bob Armstrong opposed the measure but were not forthcoming as to their reasons.
In her report, CEO Jackie Combs told the board 20 health care workers from the clinics were willing to make themselves available to the hospital if the Coronavirus response makes it necessary.
