The Bradley County Quorum Court met Monday, Sept. 21, receiving updates on new funding for Bradley County Medical Center, rising insurance costs and the county’s financial outlook heading into the 2027 budget year.
Bradley County Medical Center COO Leeanna Williams announced that the hospital will receive approximately $250,000 through the Rural Health Transformation program through its partnership with the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership.
The funding will help expand telemedicine services at the hospital through Innovator Health technology. The system will allow specialists to remotely evaluate patients in the emergency department and other areas of the hospital when specialty care is needed.
Hospital officials said the service could allow some patients to receive specialist consultations locally rather than being transferred to Little Rock or another facility. The goal is to reduce unnecessary transfers and the lengthy emergency department waits patients can experience after leaving the area for specialty care.
The funding also will be used to renovate a small building near the hospital’s emergency department and restore an intensive outpatient therapy program that was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program provides group therapy and was described as an important service for the community.
Williams also reminded the court about two upcoming events. The hospital’s annual tailgate event with Commercial Bank will be held Oct. 2. On Oct. 3, the radiology department will host “Pink in the Park” at the Warren City Park beginning at 10 a.m. The event will include a walk, entertainment, guest speakers and activities for children.
The court then turned its attention to the county’s financial position, including significant increases in insurance expenses expected for 2027.
County Judge Klay McKinney reported that health insurance costs are projected to increase by approximately $71,000 next year. Workers’ compensation insurance is also expected to increase from approximately $26,596 to $38,800.
The combined increases represent roughly $84,000 in additional insurance expenses for the county.
McKinney said health insurance costs are affected by claims and the demographics of the county workforce, which includes a substantial number of employees over age 50. The court discussed available insurance options and the potential impact of changing plans, including the possibility of lower premiums accompanied by higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Revenue collections were another concern discussed during the meeting. Officials reported that approximately $110,000 in expected 2025 revenue remained uncollected.
Delinquent property taxes were identified as one factor affecting collections. McKinney said some taxpayers are paying taxes from previous years rather than remaining current, creating a delay between when taxes are expected and when the county receives the revenue.
McKinney said maintaining adequate operating funds remains a priority as the county faces higher costs. Departments have previously been asked to examine their budgets and reduce expenses where possible, although officials acknowledged that some costs, including fuel, tires, equipment and other necessities, continue to rise.
The court also discussed the county’s employee compensation. Officials noted that county employees have gone approximately four years without a pay raise, adding another consideration as the county prepares its next budget.
Officials said they are waiting on additional insurance and revenue information before determining what adjustments may be necessary for 2027.
The court also approved Emergency Ordinance No. 2026-5 establishing a special 287(g) ICE Program Fund.
The fund will allow money received through the program to be kept separate from other county revenues and tracked for eligible expenses. Officials explained that expenditures from the fund will correspond with the revenue received through the program.
The meeting also included recognition of longtime county employees who are approaching retirement or leaving county service. Officials acknowledged the decades of experience and service provided by several employees and the impact their departures will have on county operations. Plans are to hold a retirement reception for these individuals in December.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next Bradley County Quorum Court Meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 19, at 6 p.m.
