Brewer thanks Commission; road work estimate given
Before the Marengo County Commission began work at its meeting Tuesday, Doug Brewer, CEO/Administrator of Whitfield Regional Hospital, thanked the members for their support in the December passage of the 4 mil tax benefiting the hospital.
“We need to be respectful of the trust people have put into us,” he told the Commission.
He said the hospital has four goals now that the tax has passed. The first is to fulfill its mission as a regional hospital, reaching out and serving other communities in the area. He promised prudent us of the funds being made available through the tax.
Brewer said WRH will continue to strive to quality in its performance. Currently it has a three-star rating, “better than any other hospital around us,” and it should rank a four-star rating soon.
He also promised the hospital will continue to expand services and provide treatment that patients now must travel outside the county to receive.
Brewer asked that he be allowed to speak to the Commission in a year to give an update on the hospital’s progress.
“We’ve seen under your leadership this hospital turned around a lot from where it was,” Commission Chairman Freddie Armstead told Brewer.
The Commission approved hiring Keith Hood as a sheriff’s deputy, moving the Tobacco Tax CD to Merchants and Farmers at 2 percent for 12 months and continuing the county levies for alcohol licensing.
A representative from Goodwin, Mills and Cawood engineering gave Commissioners an estimate on how much it would cost to resurface or rebuild six roads in the county, including the purchase of rights-of-way. Total cost is $2,028,762, with ADECA paying $350,000.
Probate Judge Laurie Hall provided sample ballots to the Commission for the primary election March 3. She said if a runoff is needed, it will be held March 31.
Revenue Commissioner Sharon Hilbish said her office is working on collecting property taxes from 1,100 delinquent parcels. Once all efforts to get the payments are exhausted, the tax sale on the properties will be held June 2.
In a series of resolutions, the Commission:
- Renewed participation in the ACA Liability Fund
- Provided for Tax Rate Levied
- Okayed the application to the state for a tax abatement for Foster Farms of $3.8 million.
- Supported the construction of Interstate 14 (see accompanying article)
After an executive session, the Commission decided following:
1 – Approved the job classification changes at the road department: Heavy Equipment Operator starting pay – $13.05 per hour; Heavy Truck Driver starting pay – $12.69 per hour
2 – Requested Goodwin, Mills and Cawood to take into consideration the Southern Pine Road and complete the necessary work to see if this road meets the criteria to become part of the paving project.
3 – Approved a resolution authorizing the Engagement of Finance Professionals & the Execution of a Warrant Purchase Agreement.
4 – Approved a debt repayment authorization with WRH that says the hospital will pay $250,000 towards the current $1 million loan and the remainder will be amortized over eight years with this loan being paid for by the sales tax provided to the hospital monthly.