The Basin Clinic Board of Directors held their annual meeting June 16. The meeting took place at Hopkin’s Field, Nucla’s Airport.
Board President Chris Daniels reviewed 2025. She spoke of the clinic’s continued work with consultant Jason McCormick and the board’s visit to Rangely’s hospital, which is a similar facility to the board’s proposed critical access hospital (CAH).
Two board seats were open during the meeting, and the board elected Bob Ralph to continue holding his seat.
“We will be looking forward to getting the other seat filled soon,” said Daniels.
Randi Latham, Care Coordination Manager at Tri-County Healthcare Network, joined the meeting and expressed interest in filling the remaining available seat.
Next, the board reviewed feedback they’ve received from the community on their proposed CAH.
Lorraine Garvey said voters in Redvale are less supportive of the proposal, which includes passing a 20-mill levy. She said those voters have already faced tax increases due to mills for the Norwood School District and the Norwood Fire Protection District.
Daniels noted that property assessment values are also higher in Redvale, and said property assessment values also recently went up in the West End.
Following the adjournment of the annual meeting, a regular meeting was called to order. Daniels introduced Sally O’Connor, of Montrose Regional Health (MRH), to the board.
O’Connor is MRH’s Director of Care Management, a position through which she connects West End patients to after-patient care. O’Connor said that she recognizes the need for improved health care in the West End, and advised the board to reach out to MRH if the clinic needs anything. She added that her message came directly from MRH’s CEO, Jeff Mengenhausen.
During the financial report section of the meeting, Pierce told the board that the clinic received funds from the West End Pay It Forward Trust, which allowed the clinic to replace old gurney pads. Pierce said the funds were much needed, as the old gurney pads were becoming cracked and difficult to sanitize.
The board discussed opening a money market account. Daniels stated that a money market account would be a better option than a certificate of deposit, as the account could be opened with a local bank and funds would remain readily available.
Daniels stated that the board currently has $251,000 in their savings account.
The board carried a motion to put $200,000 into a money market account at Citizen’s State Bank in Naturita.
Pierce updated the board on the search for an additional provider for the clinic. She said the search for someone interested in moving to the area to fill the role hasn’t been easy.
“It's really hard because we really need someone who wants to be here, wants to live here, wants to be a part of the community,” said Pierce.
Board members confirmed that their service plan for a CAH was approved by county commissioners following a special meeting June 10. They considered opportunities to speak with voters about the CAH, but determined petitioning to be their current priority.
“We’ll be reaching out to some of the public to petition,” said Lorraine Garvey, adding that some board members will carry petitions as private individuals.
All necessary signatures will need to be collected by mid-July for the proposal to appear on ballots this fall.
The next regular board of directors meeting will take place July 21 at Nucla’s Hopkin’s Field. Meetings are open to the public and begin at 5:30 p.m.
