Web posted
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Hospital could boost local economy
City commissioners believe new facility could create a new tax base for the city.
By JAMES JORDAN
Traveler Editor
news@arkcity.net
When the city commissioners of Arkansas City entered the chambers for their meeting Tuesday, they intended to put off giving the hospital approval for the Patterson site for a new hospital. They were wanting more numbers and more input before going forward, but during the course of the presentation by hospital officials, they gradually became convinced.
The hospital now has the authority to try to convince the public that the Patterson site - two miles north of town - is the best location for a new hospital. They will try to persuade voters to pass a half-cent sales tax to help pay for the facility.
Commissioner Scott Margolius was one of the commissioners who intended to not vote for approval, but ended up instigating the vote to give the go ahead. He said even when the meeting started, he was not planning on voting to give approval.
During the conversation with hospital officials, he and other commissioners saw the need for urgency as hospital officials pointed out that costs keep going up.
"It will now be in the hands of the people of the city to decide," Margolius said, "and that is how it should be."
He said that fact was a tipping point for him during the meeting.
He said economic development possibilities were also a major factor in his decision.
Margolius said he would "take comfort" in the democratic process.
"No special group will be making a decision for people about money, without the people giving approval to start the process," he said. "I would rather us lay all the cards on the table, say what we think is best, and then let them vote on it."
He and other commissioners also said they felt it was important that a location be chosen before the sales tax issue is taken before voters. Margolius wanted to let people also vote on the location, but city attorney Tamara Niles said a vote on the location could not be binding and would have to be conducted at a different location than the regular poling place.
Commissioner Patrick McDonald also had not planned on voting on the measure Tuesday, but changed his mind during the meeting.
"We needed that information. We did not know we were going to get it that night. Most of my questions were answered," he said.
He said the hospital group now has two months to convince the public just as it convinced the commission.
"This way, if it fails, the hospital still has time go to to plan B," McDonald said.
Margolius said the Patterson location might not be his first choice, "But I don't want to impede progress. This may be the best chance to step out there and see some great things happen."
McDonald believes the Patterson site will be good for Arkansas City in the long run
"The potential is incredible, but its still just potential. You will have to wait 10-20 years down the road to see the benefits," McDonald said.
Both McDonald and Margolius said a new hospital at the Patterson site would increase the tax base for the city.
"There will be new jobs, new benefits and a new tax base. Other sites had pieces of that," McDonald said.
Hospital officials hope their facility will become a regional medical center, and will attract doctors and other medical-related businesses. It could also attract restaurants and hotels.
McDonald believes this is a chance for the city to plan ahead and invest in the future.
"A big problem Arkansas City has had in the past is that it has not planned far enough ahead. They have done too many things for right now instead of looking ahead," he said.
Margolius also sees economic benefits in the new hospital at the Patterson location.
"Everyone benefits from economic development. It is a way to increase the tax base. That would give us the capability to lower the tax mill rate, he said.
Having new money coming into the community is also a benefit he sees.
One question still out there is what will become of the current facility. Margolius wants to make sure the city is able to hang on to some of the money to address that situation. The building could be torn down, or used for another purpose. Margolius just wants to make sure the city is not stuck with the bill.
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