Tarrant County commissioners approved a $1.8 billion budget for JPS Health Network\u2019s 2027 fiscal year on Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Commissioners also gave final approval for a property tax rate of $0.159 per $100 of valuation, marking the fourth consecutive year<\/a> in which they have voted to lower the rate.<\/p>\n The tax rate and budget were each approved 3-2, with commissioners Alisa Simmons and Roderick Miles, Jr. voting against both.<\/p>\n JPS considered a myriad of factors<\/a> when preparing next year\u2019s budget.<\/p>\n The county hospital expects the number of patient visits it sees to grow in nearly every category. JPS is anticipating more inpatient hospital stays, emergency room visits, outpatient surgeries, and behavioral health, primary care and specialty care visits. It anticipates slightly fewer urgent care visits.<\/p>\n Revenues from patient care are expected to make up 47% of all operating revenue, the largest piece of the pie. Tax revenue will make up 24%, down from the 26% projected this fiscal year.<\/p>\n Total tax revenue is expected to reach over $462 million, down from $478 million projected for this year.<\/p>\n JPS also anticipates spending more than $485 million on its master facility plan next fiscal year. These funds will go toward construction of the new hospital<\/a>, medical outpatient building and central utility plant. Total costs for completing the master facility plan are estimated to be $2.5 billion<\/a>.<\/p>\n Neither item generated much discussion from commissioners at this meeting. Commissioner Manny Ramirez spoke briefly to thank Dr. Karen Duncan, JPS president and CEO, for her and her team\u2019s work.<\/p>\n \u201cThis budget is solid, and I appreciate y\u2019all\u2019s partnership here,\u201d Ramirez said. \u201cHopefully, we\u2019ll get some towers built soon and have some more hospital services.\u201d<\/p>\n Commissioner Matt Krause added that he seconded Ramirez\u2019s comments.<\/p>\n McKinnon Rice is the health reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Her position is supported by a grant from Texas Health Resources. Contact her at mckinnon.rice@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n