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Jackson moves forward to seek new hospital On Tuesday, Aug. 28, the Jackson City Council voted unanimously to hire Selma Attorney Ralph Hobbs to pursue the possibility of bringing a larger, state-ofthe art hospital to the Jackson area. Hobbs, who specializes in the acquisitions and purchases of hospitals, attended a council work session Thursday, Aug. 23, at which time he told the council members in attendance, "The key cornerstone for a plan for this community is a state-of-the-art medical facility," he said. "ThyssenKrupp has brought the opportunity of change to you. It is important to attract their interest to Jackson at this stage." Hobbs offered his services in contacting companies that may be interested in either purchasing Jackson Medical Center or investing in the construction of a new hospital in the Jackson area. He went on to explain that his work is not a feasibility study, but an actual search for investors. The approximate cost for his services will be $20,000. Tuesday, Councilman Paul South, who did not attend last Thursday's work session due to a prior appointment, said he had talked with Hobbs and Jackson Medical Center owner Gil McKenzie. "This hospital needs capitol. There is a large amount of indigent care there each month. I am all for improving health care in Jackson. I'd like to see if the city can find a way in helping with this by offering tax breaks or something. "This hospital employs 112. I would love to see a regional hospital. The mayor and I studied that possibility last year and it went nowhere. Maybe this will be a step toward getting a regional facility." Councilman Eddie Huggins said he had talked at length with Hobbs and felt like this was a good move for the city, despite the results. "In order to get a quality regional facility we have to cooperate with the other hospitals in the area. Mr. Hobbs said he would talk with Grove Hill and Thomasville on a good faith basis concerning this. "I have talked to the doctors here twice since last week's work session. They think this is the best way to go. Out of all the ordinances we have discussed since I've been on the council, I have gotten more phone calls on this subject than any of the others." "This facility (JMC) is worn out," added Councilman Robert Marks. "I believe this is the way to get the most out of the ThyssenKrupp deal. Quality health care is the key to getting those people up the road." Councilmen Daron Bolen, Eldridge Jackson Jr. and Anthony Jackson voiced their support for the project as well. Mayor Richard Long said, "Hobbs has been in involved in seven acquisitions of hospitals. He will leave no stones unturned. I think this will be money well spent." South asked if a timeline would be established for Hobbs to return with his results. Long assured him that would be done. Sewer lagoon to be enlarged During the meeting, Councilman South reported that the city's water and sewer board is looking to enlarge the city's sewer lagoon in one phase. "I met with ADEM (Alabama Department of Environmental Management) last week. We have had some problems out there and will work to enlarge the lagoon over the next three years." The lagoon is located on County Road 2, just past the split. ADEM recently notified the city that the lagoon did not meet specifications. The city pound is located near the lagoon and will have to be relocated for the enlargement to take place. Possibilities for the relocation of the pound are now being considered. Billboard to promote city The council voted unanimously to lease the use of a billboard located on the north side of Interstate 65 at exit 19 (the Satsuma, Creola exit) for one year for the purpose of promoting Jackson. Cost for the lease is $15,000, which includes the design and its installation. "You'd be surprised how many people don't know where Jackson is," said Councilman Marks. "I think this is one tool we can use to tell people coming in for the ThyssenKrupp project to head north."
Mayor Long agreed and assured the council that the city would have the final say on what the billboard would show. "We just needed to go ahead and lock this down before time runs out," he added.
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