Commission approves funding for new ER
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The debate is over.

The Jenkins County Commissioners will enter into a contract with the Jenkins County Hospital Authority (JCHA) pledging to contribute $350,000 annually to the facility for a 30-year period. The contract will fulfill a requirement of a $2.9 million USDA loan secured by JCHA for the construction of a new emergency room (ER) at Jenkins County Hospital.

The unanimous favorable vote came during a called meeting held Tuesday, May 22, during which JCHA board members presented their need for the county's support and a new ER.

The county already contributes $300,000 annually to the facility, meaning that a pledge of $50,000 in additional funds was required by the loan agreement.

"It is an important decision and one that will impact the entire citizenry of the county for many years to come," chairman James Henry commented prior to the vote.

JCHA board members assured the commissioners that all other avenues of financing had been explored prior to seeking the USDA loan and explained that they were not asking the county to "guarantee" the note.

"In fact, the contract says that if we default, you don't have to pay it," said Pete Mills, Jenkins County Hospital chief executive officer.

The contract will be subject to review every five years and should the hospital's financial condition improve, the facility could be required to obtain a commercial loan at that time for the unpaid balance of the note.

"USDA loans are only approved if you can't secure financing somewhere else," Mills said.

In other matters, commissioners interviewed several candidates who had expressed an interest in serving on the board of directors of the Jenkins County Recreation Department. Myrtis Clark Reese was chosen to serve by the group.

It was announced that Mandy Underwood had been appointed to serve as Chief Registrar by a judge of the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit.