Finances were not as strong as budgeted, but remained positive through March, according to the figures presented to the board last Friday.

With $3,870 as the net income for operation in March the hospital finished the month with a $38,076 profit.

With only a few months left in the fiscal year the hospital remains over $1 million ahead of costs.

Alliant representative Jeff Buckley told the board that the search for a new CEO is progressing.

“We’re close to pulling the trigger,” Buckley said.

Interim CEO George Walz told the board that the hospital’s original bond has been paid off early.

Though it was not mentioned there remains millions in debt incurred when the board terminated the management agreement with Ephraim McDowell.

Walz received the board’s blessing to install a new door at the physical rehabilitation center and to convert one of the hospital’s boilers to natural gas.

“It will save enough money to pay for itself in 6 or 8 months,” Walz said.

The board also heard reports relating to future planning for the hospital that night as well as Saturday morning.