2. Travis County wants regular financial reviews of the district.
In September, Travis County Commissioners Court approved Central Health’s $240 million fiscal year 2016-17 budget and tax rate amid concerns from some community members about the transparency of Central Health's budgeting process. The court also ordered Central Health to develop a proposal to allow for regular financial reviews.
3. Travis County has tightened control over Central Health's finances.
Last month, Travis County commissioners voted to amend Central Health’s financial policies to require the district pay for an outside accountant hired by the county if the court finds Central Health’s financial information is not reliable or not provided in a timely manner or in accordance with state law. The court also called for Central Health to provide annual audits of its four affiliated nonprofits: Capital City Innovation Inc., CommUnityCare, Community Care Collaborative and Sendero Health Plans.
4. The increased scrutiny followed calls for an independent audit.
Several local health care advocates, including Austin lawyer Fred Lewis, have said an audit should be overseen by Travis County rather than the health district itself. County commissioners have not required Central Health to undergo an independent audit. Central Health's retiring President and CEO Patricia Young Brown has argued that the district's guiding statutes deem it as the appropriate agency to oversee such a review.
5. Those unable to attend Wednesday will be able to comment online.
Central Health officials said the district will also collect public input through an online survey, which will be posted at www.centralhealth.net from Dec. 7-14.
