Clinic doctor discusses struggles

BEATTY - Dr. Michael Reiner was on hand at the Beatty Town Advisory Board to give a report on the Beatty Medical Clinic.

Dr. Reiner said that expenses at the clinic since his group took it over have totaled about $38,000 so far, and it has seen income of only about $3,200.

The doctor said that the recent departure of two longtime employees at the clinic was "pure economics." He said that he had made an attempt to cut back the days of one employee and have the other fill in the other days, but this had not been met with acceptance.

He said that Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements should start coming in soon, and that this should "help stop the bleeding."

Town Secretary Carrie Radomski noted in a previous meeting that what is needed is for Beatty residents to support the clinic instead of going elsewhere in order to make its operation viable.

"We're still learning the ropes," said Dr. Reiner about the transition at the clinic. He also noted that they expect to acquire some new equipment that will enable them to do some lab tests on site rather than having to send them out.

The clinic is planning an open house for Beatty Days.

On another matter, Radomski reported on the recent gather of burros by the BLM. She said the gather, which had a target of 40 burros, actually gathered 42, one of which was in very poor condition with a broken leg from a vehicle accident and had to be euthanized.

Vonnie Gray told the board that the roof was finished on the new Beatty Museum addition, and they would be coming to the board later seeking money for help with finishing the interior.

The board set a deadline of Oct. 23 for the submission of letters of interest from anyone interested in filling the seats on the town board currently occupied by Erika Gerling and Randy Reed. If more than two letters are received, an election will be held on Nov. 9. If there are not more than two, then those who are submitted will be recommended for appointment.

The board approved the expenditure of $12,000 from the Volunteer Fire Department budget for the purchase of five sets of turnouts.