Editorial...Yes, Yes, and No on New Hospital
The Observer has been accused of being opposed to a new $58 million hospital in Grove. Nothing could be further from the truth so let's say that up front.
We say Yes to a new hospital. It would be a tremendous new asset to the city and area and would bring additional business to Grove, increased staff of physicians, nurses and other employees, and as designed by HKS Architects, would be the most beautiful building in our city.
We also say Yes to the volunteer fundraising effort being undertaken by the Hospital. One individual has pledged $1 million to the effort and his generosity is noteworthy to say the least. We hope many others who have the means will step forward as well. A total of $5 million has been requested by Integris as a sign of "community support."
But we say No to the request for $1 million from the city coffers, payable at $200,000 over five years. This money will come from the City Capital Fund budget, this year at $4.3 million. A $200,000 per year donation will come to nearly 5% of the city's total Capital budget, or $200.00 a year for every man, woman and child in Grove.
In fact, the $200,000 is nearly the largest item in this year's budget, exceeded only by $250,000 allocated to fix the leaking Civic Center roof, which probably isn't enough; $246,000 to complete the downtown storm drainage project, and $280,000 for the new cemetery project.
We have $25,000 budgeted for pothole repairs and $50,000 for asphalt overlay.
At $50,000 per mile for a complete asphalt overlay program, we could pave four miles with just one year's donation to the hospital. Our streets are grinding up tires, wearing out brakes and suspension systems. Bumpety Bumpety.
If put to a vote of the people, (not likely), the issue of a $200,000 per year donation would fail by a wide margin, according to our research. And we don't oppose "in kind" donations by the city, but none have been discussed. These include free tap fees, utility construction costs, land swaps, give backs, etc.
Frankly, we don't know how this suggestion came up in the first place. It appears to have come upon us like a stealthy fog bank.
In the end, our city council will make the decision and that is why they get elected. If the city residents don't like their decision they can vote them out at the next election.
We hope this clears up our feelings on the matter and at least you know. Other media in the area are silent, and are not likely to speak up.
We say Yes to a new hospital. It would be a tremendous new asset to the city and area and would bring additional business to Grove, increased staff of physicians, nurses and other employees, and as designed by HKS Architects, would be the most beautiful building in our city.
We also say Yes to the volunteer fundraising effort being undertaken by the Hospital. One individual has pledged $1 million to the effort and his generosity is noteworthy to say the least. We hope many others who have the means will step forward as well. A total of $5 million has been requested by Integris as a sign of "community support."
But we say No to the request for $1 million from the city coffers, payable at $200,000 over five years. This money will come from the City Capital Fund budget, this year at $4.3 million. A $200,000 per year donation will come to nearly 5% of the city's total Capital budget, or $200.00 a year for every man, woman and child in Grove.
In fact, the $200,000 is nearly the largest item in this year's budget, exceeded only by $250,000 allocated to fix the leaking Civic Center roof, which probably isn't enough; $246,000 to complete the downtown storm drainage project, and $280,000 for the new cemetery project.
We have $25,000 budgeted for pothole repairs and $50,000 for asphalt overlay.
At $50,000 per mile for a complete asphalt overlay program, we could pave four miles with just one year's donation to the hospital. Our streets are grinding up tires, wearing out brakes and suspension systems. Bumpety Bumpety.
If put to a vote of the people, (not likely), the issue of a $200,000 per year donation would fail by a wide margin, according to our research. And we don't oppose "in kind" donations by the city, but none have been discussed. These include free tap fees, utility construction costs, land swaps, give backs, etc.
Frankly, we don't know how this suggestion came up in the first place. It appears to have come upon us like a stealthy fog bank.
In the end, our city council will make the decision and that is why they get elected. If the city residents don't like their decision they can vote them out at the next election.
We hope this clears up our feelings on the matter and at least you know. Other media in the area are silent, and are not likely to speak up.
Labels: Grove Hospital
posted by Editor | 1:56 AM
1 Comments:
You statement about no other papers expressing an opinion is surely correct! But, I disagree with the idea that the City should not share some of the expense of a new hospital.
First, we need one!
Second, the hospital will give it back to the city in the form of free health care for some of our poor people.
Third, a million dollars could be amortized over 10 years, thus reducing the pain of additional taxes.
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