Lakeland Healthcare Center budget relies on payroll savings and new staffing incentives

Board members and staff described a package of staffing strategies included in the 2027 budget that together support a proposed $361,000 payroll-savings figure. "The pulse and presence, that's the addition of that night nurse manager position. The reliable care champs is the, attendance positive attendance incentives. Weekend warriors is the pay enhancements... and their care merge was taking a number of part time positions, 6 part time positions, and merging them into 3 full time positions," the chair summarized.

Presenter explained the use of crisis shifts and agency pay to cover last-minute weekend vacancies and noted the county now uses a clipboard staffing tool that has helped fill many crisis shifts quickly. A committee member welcomed the $100 stipend for Reliable Care Champs and suggested monitoring its effect to find an optimal incentive level.