Vote For Future Of Memorial Hospital

A standing-room only crowd gathered to learn more about the future of the Memorial Health System.

City Council voted in favor of a measure that would ask voters if they want to get rid of a Memorial Health Systems tax levy. That tax is meant to cover any operating shortfalls at Memorial, but it has never had to be used since it was enacted in 1949.

Council Chambers was filled with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. Many of the speakers favored Memorial Hospital going the non-profit route. That was not what Tuesday’s vote represented, but people like Larry McEvoy, the CEO for Memorial Health Systems, said the vote was a step in the right direction.

Not everyone agreed with the passing of the vote.

Councilwoman Lisa Czekatdko said she did not believe that potentially turning the hospital into a non-profit has anything to do with keeping the tax levy.

Councilwoman Angela Dougan also voted against the measure. Dougan said she felt the issue need to be explored and discussed further.

Mayor Steve Bach also said he disagreed with the decision to move ahead, but that he looked forward to working with council after Tuesday’s vote.

The measure passed 7-2.

Voters will decide in November if the tax should be removed.