Clarke County Democrat

Commissioners take no action on hospital’s request for funds




After having a special motion to add the item to the Clarke County Commission agenda at Tuesday’s meeting, a vote on giving Grove Hill Memorial Hospital $100,000 was tabled until the December meeting.

“The hospital would like to bring some more, updated information to us for our next meeting. So I asked that we table this vote until then.” Commissioner Stan Hutto motioned.

Many of the commission members had voiced their thoughts and concerns over giving any more money to Grove Hill Memorial Hospital in the Monday work session.

They reiterated those thoughts Tuesday.

Commissioner Bill Taylor commented, “we can’t afford to pay our deputies or road and bridge workers a better wage and we’re losing them every day. So, how can we give the hospital any more money? We have to think about everyone.”

It was pointed out by Commissioner Jackie Ray Rush and Moye that the funds for those salaries and the money used in giving to the hospital are from different areas and salaries are not affected by that.

“Our job is to invest county money the best way that we can and that is in jobs,” Hutto said. “That is the best way to invest because we see that money come back to us when people use their salaries. We have made some very poor investments, but our only investment in the hospital has been $300,000. They employ 156 people and have a payroll of $4 million. That is a very good investment.”

He cited the new sawmill being built by Westervelt as being another good investment of the county.

Pastor Darryl Perryman, speaking from those attending said, “I have heard about the hospital asking for $100,000 and I have heard that if they don’t get these funds then there is a chance they could close. I say to you that without this hospital, then I would not be here. Without this ER [emergency room] and hospital you would have attended my funeral.” He explained that he had suffered through six heart attacks, three while living in Grove Hill and that the hospital had saved his life. “I ask that you pray and think very hard about this decision before you make it.”

Alice McVay Kelly, chairperson of the local hospital board, said, “How many times have we asked this group for money,” she asked. “We have been here for years and, yes, we have had some problems but we are working at correcting them. We are working in a positive way and we are not always going to be coming asking for money, but we will be here.”

Monday’s work session comments

“Where I stand on this issue is I am not for giving any more money to Grove Hill Memorial Hospital,” Clarke County Commission Chairman Tyrone Moye said during Monday’s work session.

“We have given them $200,000 for repairs and then another $100,000 to go towards the IRS [Internal Revenue Service] debt. We keep going back and forth and it has come to a head. We need to make a decision because there are two other hospitals in the county [Jackson Medical Center and the new but unopened Thomasville Regional Medical Center] and they are going to be coming to us for funds and I have to say that I will be looking at doing something for them.”

The issue was brought up after hospital officials made their pitch at the last meeting and Commissioner Stan Hutto asked that the topic be placed on this week’s agenda.

“The IRS debt is the important problem for the hospital,” Commissioner Jackie Ray Rush said. “But I am confused about where the progress has been made, financially, and why it has not been paid down more.”

Commissioner Bill Taylor had a different type of question. “Nowhere has it been mentioned as to how and why this all happened with the hospital and their financial shape. Why has no action been taken on that and whoever may have been behind it.”

“I still have questions and concerns even after meeting with the hospital people,” Commissioner Rhondel Rhone said.

Hutto was not at Monday’s work session.

Some travel approved, some not

Travel was discussed for E-911 Director Becky Neugent to go to Guntersville on Jan. 23, 2020 at a cost of $272.16. The motion to allow her to go by Commissioner Rhone died without a second.

Roy Waite has a conference in Auburn on Dec. 4-5 at a cost of $193.90, as well as a meeting in Washington D.C. from Feb. 28- March 5 at a cost of $1,090. Both of those requests were approved.

Following the vote, Neugent addressed the commission and the vote. “I have asked, recently for travel funds for a conference and was denied. My department, when staying overnight, is asked to share rooms, while another department was allowed to have separate rooms. I want this commission and I want the public to know that the departments in the courthouse are treated differently. The 911 director must be certified and that requires continuing education and going to classes and workshops. This week Gov. Kay Ivey named me to the state’s E-911 Board. I received one congratulations from this group. Commissioner Moye did read the letter from the governor at the work session and for that I thank you.”

Commissioner Rush took issue with Neugent’s statement and responded. “For the past seven years there has been disparity and I have seen it, but don’t think that you are the only person who is unhappy with some of our decisions. We do what we feel is best for the county.”

 

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