County drops countywide hospital consolidation proposal
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission decided Monday to squelch the notion of a county hospital.
The commission had asked for feedback from Hillsboro Community Medical Center, Marion County Hospital District #1, and cities of Hillsboro and Marion by Nov. 1.
Following the response from Hillsboro Community Medical Center, the commission decided not to pursue it any further.
"In my opinion, since HCMC doesn't want to participate, the county shouldn't push forward," commission chairman Randy Dallke said.
Commissioner Dan Holub said the changes need to originate within the two hospitals, not the county. Commissioner Bob Hein agreed.
The letter from the board of directors of HCMC explained that the hospital's mission is to provide quality health care services to the Hillsboro community, and the board does not support an increased tax levy or a hospital not being located at Hillsboro.
The letter continued that there has been no feasibility study to determine the location of a hospital, a county hospital could be a significant financial liability if the hospital is not a critical access hospital, and the board was not sure if consolidation would be efficient, advisable, or favorable.
Dallke asked a letter be sent to Dr. Randal Claassen to notify him of the lack of interest.
In other business:
— County appraiser Cindy Magill and county treasurer Jeannine Bateman presented a spreadsheet to the commission regarding the activity of the county's neighborhood revitalization program.
Bateman reported that more than $44,500 was rebated in 2006 to qualified property owners through the program.
Magill said she was concerned about the failure of some applicants to comply with requirements of the program after construction begins by providing information through a form, "Part 3."
Holub suggested a notice be sent mid-December to those who need to complete and return the form so the county can receive it by Jan. 15. If not completed and returned on time, the application will be terminated.
— County attorney Susan Robson will be asked to address other issues related to the neighborhood revitalization program where a property owner can apply for and participate in two rebate projects and what will happen to the program if there is a natural disaster.
— Robson also was instructed to proceed with sending letters regarding a property tax foreclosure sale.
