•The board received a refinancing proposal from Ehlers and Associates, a financial consultant. To help its cash flow and to borrow $3.2 million in new money (which could be used to pay for assisted living and for a new wing at the Koronis Manor), the hospital district could opt to consolidate its debt over 20 or even 25 years.

The district could consolidate all or parts of the following bond issues: $2.2 milllion for the construction of the Paynesville Area Medical Clinic issued in 1995; $1.85 million for the purchase of two nursing homes from the Good Samaritan Society issued in 2002; $0.7 million for the construction of the Richmond Area Medical Clinic issued in 1999; $6.9 million for the current construction project issued in 2001; and $1.365 million in crossover bonds for 700 Stearns Place, originally issued by the city of Paynesville, and issued by the hospital district in 1993.

The current obligation on these bonds, plus $3.2 million in new money, totals $15.7 million.

•The board heard a review of a feasibility study by Jackson and Associates for a fund-raising campaign for the hospital foundation. The feasibility study, which included interviews of 42 affluent and prominent residents, recommended that a fund-raising campaign could raise $1 million over five years for the Paynesville Area Health Care System.

To have Jackson and Associates run the 10-month campaign would cost $125,000 with another $25,000 needed for expenses, but the hospital district could expect to receive several times that in contributions, a representative of Jackson and Associates told the board. Needs to benefit from the campaign could include a dialysis unit, a dementia unit, emergency services, onsite MRI, and an endowment fund.

The board referred the matter back to its foundation board, which will decide whether or not to recommend the fund-raising campaign to the hospital board.

•The board was informed by Troy Mansell, CT specialist, that the medical staff has approved the use of virtual colonoscopy as a screening procedure.

•The board approved Hector Ho, M.D., a surgeon, as having completed his provisional period. It approved expanded privileges for Randy Zimmerman, M.D., and it accepted the resignation of Tom Sult, M.D., from the medical staff.

•The board set a joint conference committee with the Paynesville Medical Group for Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 6:45 a.m. at 700 Stearns Place.