Memorandum
City of Lawrence
City Manager’s Office
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DATE: |
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TO: |
David L. Corliss, City Manager |
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FROM: |
Casey Toomay, Budget Manager |
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CC: |
Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager Jonathan Douglass, Assistant to the City Manager / City Clerk |
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RE: |
Heartland Community Health Center Funding Request |
Please place on the agenda for consideration by the City Commission at their meeting on January 17, 2012.
Consider request from Heartland Community Health Center for a one-time payment of $25,000 for a medical biller position and approve if appropriate.
Background
Attached is a request from the Heartland Community Health Center for a one-time payment of $25,000 to assist with funding a medical biller position. The Heartland Community Health Center (HCHC) provides integrated, holistic health care to the poor and uninsured in Lawrence and Douglas County. By having an employee trained to bill insurances including Medicaid and Medicare, the HCHC anticipates generating more revenue and creating a more sustainable operation, both of which will lead to better and more comprehensive health care for the underserved. HCHC hopes that the position will become self-sufficient after one year, paid from the reimbursements generated from their work.
HCHC has raised private funds related to this project, as well as received $23,000 for software from Douglas County.
Funding
Because the HCHC provides behavioral consultants including substance abuse screenings and referrals for treatment for substance abuse, staff feels it is appropriate to use the proceeds from the alcoholic liquor tax. There is sufficient budget authority and fund balance in the Special Alcohol Fund to fund the request.
Action Requested
Consider request from Heartland Community Health Center for a one-time payment of $25,000 for a medical biller position and approve if appropriate.