The Weston County Hospital Board heard from newly introduced Chief Financial Officer Paul Meilano, who described immediate priorities including cleaning up the general ledger, reconciling trial balances and readying audited financials for submission to state authorities.

Meilano told the board he needed roughly two and a half weeks to reclassify and reconcile internal books to present accurate dollar comparisons across budget scenarios. Staff briefed the board on a remediation timeline: internal cleanup milestones by Dec. 5 and Dec. 15, an eight‑week external audit window, and a state target to receive audited packages that could affect release of some withheld state funds.

To accelerate the work, the board authorized administration to engage Elevate CPA/CFOs at $100 per hour for forensic accounting and GL cleanup. The motion to engage the outside CPA, described by administration as an upfront investment to avoid repeat problems, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: hospital staff said the state has held some payments pending completion of audited financials. Board materials and discussion flagged significant accounting problems including overstated salaries and inventory, aged accounts receivable (notably $313,000 in self‑pay more than 180 days old), and historical gaps in bank reconciliation and payer billing that require remediation before the external audit can be certified.

Formal action: The board authorized administration to engage Elevate CPA at $100/hour for GL cleanup and audit support. Administration will report back to the board with progress against the Dec. 5 and Dec. 15 internal audit milestones.

Other steps: staff said they are meeting weekly with Anova (revenue cycle vendor) to improve accounts receivable flows and are preparing letters and legal steps to improve Manor billing and Medicaid/VA paperwork processes.