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Study shows consolidation solution to improving local health care During Tuesday's meeting of the Jackson City Council, Mayor Richard Long read a report from consultant Ralph Hobbs concerning the search for a potential buyer that would improve the hospital in Jackson. Hobbs, who specializes in the acquisitions and purchases of hospitals, attended a council work session in August 2007, at which time he told the council members in attendance, "The key cornerstone for a plan for this community is a state-of-theart medical facility. "ThyssenKrupp has brought the opportunity of change to you. It is important to attract their interest to Jackson at this stage." Hobbs offered his services in contacting companies that may be interested in either purchasing Jackson Medical Center or investing in the construction of a new hospital in the Jackson area. He went on to explain that his work is not a feasibility study, but an actual search for investors. During Tuesday's meeting, Mayor Long said that Hobbs had contacted several large hospitals, but none of them are interested in taking over Jackson Medical Center with the intention of building a bigger facility in the city. "He (Hobbs) said consolidation of the county hospitals with the purpose of the creation of a larger regional facility, located in close proximity to Jackson, is the key to improving health care here," said Long. "I spoke with Gil McKenzie recently and he said that Jackson Medical Center is proceeding with it's expansion plans. I have looked at the overall plan and it is impressive. The result will basically be a new facility." Councilman Paul South agreed. "We have a group of great physicians here," he said. "I also talked with Gil and found out it is the emergency room that is killing the hospital's budget. I encourage those who don't have to use the emergency room not to. Wait and go see one of the doctors here if it is possible." Jackson Medical Center currently has a 35-bed capacity. A larger urgent care clinic, located at the rear of the hospital, recently opened. In other business: *In his report to the council, Mayor Long thanked the entire city for an outstanding response to the governor's visit, Monday, for the official announcement of the New Gas Concepts fuel pellet plant. He recognized Kevin Woodson and the city's public works department, City Clerk Betty Powell and her staff, City Administrator Jesse Miller, Fire Chief Neal Bradley, Police Chief Charles Burge and the Jackson Police Department, and members of the Jackson City Council. "Thank you all for presenting a beautiful city to the governor and our new industry," he said. "I was very proud of Jackson." *The mayor reported that the city has received a $127,000 check from Clarke Mobile Counties Gas District for Jackson's settlement amount in a lawsuit hat has been pending for the past 12 years. He thanked attorney Mac McCorquodale and his partners for their persistence and settlement of the lawsuit. *Long said the sales tax profits for the city for December of 2007 were up 13 percent over December 2006. "I want to thank all of our citizens for shopping in the city of Jackson," he said. *The mayor reported that the city had also received a $887,000 check from Alabama Power for utility tax payment for the year 2007. *Councilman Daron Bolen said a work day will be conducted at the North Jackson Park Little League fields this Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. He welcomed anyone who wishes to help. *Councilman Eddie Huggins reported that the new irrigation system at North Jackson Park had been tested and worked well. He said new sod has been put in place and should have no problem taking root. *Huggins also reported that the Continuous School Improvement (CSI) program is operating at full capacity for grades 1-5. he said a new computer aide has been added to meet the demand by students who need the experience. *An ordinance was approved to set the qualifying fees for candidates for mayor at $50 and for city council seats at $25. *The council voted to increase the salaries of the city council and mayor for the upcoming administration, which will take office Nov. 1, following the election this August. Council members will receive an increase for expenses. Councilman South voted against the measure.
*A restaurant alcohol license for the new Mater's Restaurant will be considered at the next regular meeting, Feb. 26.
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