Commissioners meet with Hospital Authority
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Members of the Jenkins County Hospital Authority (JCHA) met with the Jenkins County Commissioners Tuesday, April 17, to present their case for a new emergency room at the facility.

Kathy Ross of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explained that in order for her agency to approve the 30-year $2,936,000 loan requested by Jenkins County Hospital certain "conditions" must be met by the facility. One of those conditions requires that the hospital and county enter a written agreement whereby the county agrees to contribute $350,000 annually to the facility over the 30-year period. The county normally contributes $275,000-$300,000 annually.

The amount of the county's contribution may be renegotiated by the county, hospital and USDA at set intervals and could be reduced should the hospital's financial position improve, Ross said.

When asked to explain the difference between the $350,000 the county was being asked to contribute and the hospital's estimated annual loan payment of only $172,402, JCHA members responded that the facility was absorbing approximately $1 million in indigent care.

JCHA members also stated that it was their hope and intention to repay the loan as soon as possible.

"Our hands are tied. Unless we get the $350,000, the new emergency room won't be built," commented JCHA board member Bobby Dailey.

Jenkins County Hospital must meet the conditions of the loan requirements within 180 days, Ross advised.

The matter was tabled until the next meeting, Tuesday, May 1, to allow the commissioners time to review the county's budget and consider the request.

Mitchell Johnson addressed the group concerning the need for highway striping on Elam/Garfield road, stating that it was unsafe for travelers on the road at night. He asked that the county consider the road for any state assistance that might come available in the future.

"We will make every effort to try and deal with this issue, but it will take some time," commented chairman James Henry.

George Parker asked the group to consider granting a variance to the county's subdivision ordinance to allow the sale of a lot that is 1.96 acres for the location of a mobile home on it. The ordinance requires 2 acres.

The commissioners approved a motion to ask a consultant to look at the lot and make a recommendation.

Millen Fire Chief Dwayne Herrington asked for a variance to the county's fire protection master plan that would allow for the construction of a volunteer fire department on West Old Savannah Road instead of the Thrift area as designated.

His request was based upon the fact that 70-80 residents of West Old Savannah Road are actively involved in support of the project with 22 volunteers already enrolled in training classes for firemen. It was also noted that the Thrift community relies upon Garfield for its fire protection.

David Barron reported that the group on West Old Savannah Road has already raised approximately $18,000 for the construction of a fire station in the area and a site has already been secured.

The request for the variance was approved.

Chairman Henry reported that negotiations with the Jenkins County Board of Education concerning the school system's financial support of the Jenkins County Memorial Library were underway.

Other actions taken by the commissioners included the following:

+ Approved the adoption of Public Nuisance ordinance with amendments following a public hearing and third reading of the ordinance;

+ Tentatively approved the adoption of a Historic Preservation Ordinance, pending a review of merging the ordinance with one previously approved by the City of Millen and negotiating the appointment of Historic Preservation Commission members;

+ Tabled the appointment of a Jenkins County Recreation Department board member to fill the position formerly held by Tim Frawley who recently resigned until the position can be advertised;

+ Approved the reappointments of Emma Whiters and Bonnie Wiggins as Department of Family and Children Services board members; and

+ Approved an alcohol/drug abuse policy for the county transit system.