The meeting was conducted by Joseph Barry, who served as the hearing officer. Barry and Carrie Johnson were there to represent the Iowa Department of Management. Also representing board members were Jenny Wall, who was there from the state Auditor’s Office and Ed Failor who represented the state Treasurer’s Office.

The hearing, which was recorded by Johnson, will be shared with the State Appeals board members, Kraig Paulsen, director of the Department of Management; Rob Sand, Auditor of State; and Roby Smith, Treasurer of State.

“This is the time to talk,” said Barry. “There is no open forum at the board meeting.”

The petition, according to Barry, was submitted March 26. The budget protest is for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

“This is a fact-finding session,” said Barry.

The meeting structure was explained by Barry, and after opening comments by both representatives of the petition and the hospital administration, and rebuttals, there was time for public comment, then questions from the representatives of the State Appeals Board.

Dave Taylor and Jake Van Diest spoke on behalf of the petitioners. Their two major points were based on the hospital’s past performance and their balance sheet, said Van Diest.

Lisa Ridge, chief executive officer for VDMC and Ashley Allers, chief financial officer, spoke on behalf of the hospital administration and the hospital board.

Three individuals spoke from the audience in support of the hospital. Two additional speakers spoke in support of the petitioners.

The June 26 meeting is an open meeting, but there will be no further input on that day.