For the first time since the 1920s Newman Regional Health is asking Lyon County government for tax money.
Newman officials on Wednesday asked for 3.5 mills in tax dollars during the Lyon County Commission study session.
Newman Chief Executive Officer Bob Driewer asked commissioners for the 3.5 mills on behalf of the hospital. The hospital is allowed under state statute to request the tax dollars.
Driewer said the funds are needed to help pay for the replacement of a 9-year-old MRI machine, which will cost an estimated $1.5 million. The funds also will be used to replace an 11-year-old catheterization lab, at a cost of $2,121,407.
Driewer said the leading causes of death is heart disease and cancer. The mammography/MRI and cath lab would help diagnose and treat the diseases. The new equipment will allow “Newman Regional Health to continue MRI services and expand diagnostic breast cancer capabilities and allow the hospital to reestablish a diagnostic and interventional cardiology service,” according to documentation provided by Newman.
Steve Atherton, the hospital’s attorney, said as long as the request is under six mills it isn’t subject to election. However, the public can bring about a petition and force an election on the issue.
Driewer said the last time the county has provided mill levy funding was in the 1920s.
“It was a difficult decision for the board,” Driewer said. “This is not taken lightly. Under the circumstances, this is an opportunity for the hospital to provide and continue to provide these services.”
Commission Vice-Chairman Rollie Martin asked Driewer what he thought people want.
“I think the people want quality services,” Driewer said. “You can make a difference. I think the community hospital has the obligation to make a difference. I think we have an obligation that everybody understands that these are the services available...”
In other matters:
• Trudy Hutchinson, executive director of Hetlinger Developmental Center, asked commissioners for level funding of $20,000 for the 2012 budget. Hutchinson said the amount is needed in part because there is no more state general fund monies for individuals who are not Medicaid eligible.
• Chip Woods, Lyon County engineer, talked about a quote from CHEN-TROL of Wichita for 180 gallons of Pathway in 1 1/2-gallon containers for $5,760. Item placed on today’s consent agenda.
• Russell Torrens, noxious weeds department, discussed the purchase of a shrink wrap machine for e-waste for $6,240. Torrens said the purchase of the machine will make it easier to pack and ship e-waste. Item placed on today’s consent agenda.