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Nothing to be scared about The frightening thing about the possibility of the county backing the hospital's plan for reconstruction is that it would take $1.1 million a year in taxes for 25 years to pay the debt service. That would mean an increase of a few mills to cover the payment. And while everyone naturally wants to keep the hospital, nobody wants an unwarranted tax increase when it might be unnecessary. But that's all wrong. The truth is that there will be no tax money spent on Wills Memorial Hospital's regeneration and the county will have no obligation to pay anything. Payments will be made by the hospital itself out of revenues generated at the hospital. The only way tax money would be obligated is if the hospital fails - and that's not going to happen. From its low point back in the 1990s, the hospital has made steady and impressive progress for several years and has shown a profit for the last two. Current leadership is largely responsible for the trend and indications are that that leadership will be around for a while. There's no reason to think that the hospital's financial position will return to those troubled times. But even then, it didn't fail. The federal government's provisions for rural "Critical Care" hospitals are designed specifically to help facilities like Wills Memorial operate profitably. Those provisions are good for everybody and they're not going anywhere. The people of Wilkes County have supported their local hospital for many decades and now, with the added partnership services available from MCG, there is even more opportunity for locally-provided health care. The people will continue to use Wills Memorial because of the quality care, friendly atmosphere, and convenient accessibility. Also, the "regenerated" hospital would produce new revenue from its new surgery facility, patient care wing, expanded clinics, and updated equipment. All of that will increase its market share (as recommended by the Stroudwater report) and thereby increase the profit margin. While we applaud the county's continued diligent and efficient management of our tax rates and tax dollars, this is not a question of spending any tax money. While it's true that there would be the risk of having to spend tax money on the hospital's debt service, that risk is minimal and unquestionably worth it. The hospital is one of the county's largest employers, providing over 170 jobs. Like any other, such an industry is worth backing. The desperately-needed growth of Wilkes County is dependent on the hospital. Those looking to locate here, whether individual or industrial, want to see a working hospital in place. Support of the hospital equates to support of the community. A willingness to back it translates into the progressive attitude necessary for our continued survival and eventual growth.
The really frightening thing about the county backing the hospital's plan is what it means if the commissioners don't do it.
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