Cedar County Memorial Hospital Board Approves 2026 Budget

December 19, 2025 — The Cedar County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) Board of Trustees met Wednesday, December 17th, to approve the 2026 budget and hear operational updates.

2026 Budget Approved
The board approved a budget projecting a net loss for 2026, though trustees plan to adjust line items after reviewing the three-year strategic business plan presented by hospital leadership.

"The trustees and I are working toward a budget that breaks even and replenishes our cash reserves," said Carla Gilbert, CFO/Interim CEO. "This won't happen overnight, but we're making process changes, eliminating contracts when legally possible, and spending strategically to reach that goal."

Service Expansions
CCMH recently passed its mammography inspection and continues expanding telehealth services in neurology, endocrinology, and hospitalist coverage. Telemental health services are coming soon. The hospital is also progressing toward offering Nuclear Medicine.
New Providers

CCMH has recruited three providers:
●Dr. Del Charbonier, a primary care physician board-certified in Internal Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology, and board-eligible in Geriatric Medicine, is completing Missouri licensure and will begin seeing patients in April.
●Jenifer Webb, DNP, FNP-C is providing weekend hospitalist coverage.
●Katie Williams, FNP-C will begin hospitalist coverage and primary care for patients at Medical Mall Clinic in January.

"These providers will fill critical needs for the community and hospital," Gilbert said. "Dr. Charbonier's qualifications make him ideal for launching our Nuclear Medicine services, and all three will improve revenue and access to care."

Infrastructure Updates
The MRI/CT building project remains on track for summer 2026 completion. The laboratory's new Vitros 5600 analyzer, approved in October, will go live in January and is expected to improve turnaround times while reducing costs.

Community Health Investment
The board approved $35,300 for the 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment. Funds will support patient insurance and financial aid assistance, behavioral health programming, provider recruitment, and community health initiatives.

Financial Performance
November financial reports reflected lower than expected volumes and collections:
●Gross operating revenue: $2,621,910 (down 11% from November 2024)
●Net operating revenue: $1,356,648 (down 6% from November 2024)
●Operating expenses: $1,646,809 (down from $1,765,147 in November 2024)
●Days Cash on Hand: 130 (down from 137 in October)
Year-to-date figures show modest improvement:
●Gross operating revenue: $31,076,894 (up slightly from 2024)
●Net operating revenue: $16,163,617 (up slightly from 2024)
●Operating expenses: $18,157,431 (up from $17,386,378 in 2024)
●Net loss: $1,412,529 (improved from $1,580,157 loss in 2024)

Old Business
Chief Nursing Officer BreAnn Jackson reported that a memorandum is now in place to ensure regulatory compliance, and Narcan is being distributed at Medical Mall through the health department.

About Cedar County Memorial Hospital

Cedar County Memorial Hospital, located in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, has been serving Cedar County and the surrounding communities since 1960. With 10 acute care beds and a dedicated team of more than 130 healthcare professionals, the hospital provides a full range of services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced diagnostic imaging (CT and MRI), clinical laboratory testing, surgical procedures, physical and occupational therapy, and swing bed services. Cedar County Memorial Hospital is committed to delivering innovative, patient-centered care and using best practices to promote health and enhance the quality of life for its Friends, Family & Neighbors.

Media Contact:

Natalie Eberhard
Marketing Specialist
CCMH Marketing Dept
417.876.3745
Email