Maricopa Special Health Care District Approves FY 2006 Budget

First-ever budget expected to solidify districts future - June 24, 2005

After a series of detailed public meetings and presentations, the Maricopa Special Health Care District Board of Directors on June 22 approved its first-ever budget for the Maricopa Integrated Health System (MIHS), which will serve as the financial blueprint for the 2006 Fiscal Year.

The five-member Board approved the budget at a public meeting after a lengthy and detailed discussion of the immediate financial outlook for the voter-approved District. The vote was 4-1 in favor of the new budget, with Charlie Gail Hendrix of District Two opposing.

The budget decision came at the same time as a report from MIHS management that the vigorous cost containment initiatives, which included temporary pay cuts, had resulted in reducing the loan balance owed to Maricopa County to zero. Bruno praised health care system employees for the job they've done reducing expenses over the past few months.

It's a new day at Maricopa Integrated Health System, said Board Chairman Bil Bruno. Now that we're independent of the county, we have to stand on our own. We are excited about the progress we've made and we're excited about our future.

MIHS is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. The cornerstone of the system is Maricopa Medical Center (MMC), a major teaching hospital with a history dating back over 100 years. MMC admits over 20,000 patients per year and is known for its critical care services, including Level 1 trauma and intensive care for adults, babies and children. Two in-patient psychiatric care centers with nearly 200 beds provide services in behavioral medicine.

The nation's second largest burn treatment facility, the Arizona Burn Center, located at the main campus, treats over 800 patients per year with an unprecedented survival rate of 98%. Eleven family health care centers are located throughout the Valley, providing primary and specialty care ranging from well baby to HIV-AIDS patient services. More than 300,000 outpatient visits are conducted each year.

Included in the $376 million budget is $40 million in property taxes for Maricopa County. The tax, which was approved by voters in 2003, will help the system continue its mission of physician training and care for the needy. The tax is expected to be assessed in October 2005, and amounts to slightly more than $13 per every $100,000 of assessed property value.

The budget includes $13.9 million in capital improvements for replacement of equipment and facilities infrastructure. Four million dollars were set aside for development of new programs and needed services for patients which are expected to provide new sources of revenues.

No one likes taxes, and our Board is no exception. But voters in 2003 gave us very clear instructions to get the finances in order. This is something that needs to happen to continue the life-saving services we provide, said Chairman Bruno.

Last updated on December 3, 2008