HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93009_0564jail feasibility study for a multi -county facility. This is Budget
Amendment /43.
VOTING: Ayes - 5; Nays - 0.
HOME HEALTH AGENCY SERVICES BALE DISCUSSED: Commissioner
Boone discussed the Home Health Agency. The matter has been
discussed for sometime now, he said. The board has looked at a lot
of different proposals. The original proposal and recommendation
from the board of health was to transfer this agency to Iredell
Memorial Hospital. Iredell Memorial Hospital has agreed to rent
the space utilized by the Home Health Agency in the health
department building and made an offer to purchase the agency from
the County for $200,000, and they have a letter stating they will
rent the space they originally agreed to rent and to retain the
current staff unless the volume of clients declines to the point
that they cannot afford to pay that many people. They have also
agreed to care for those who don't have any other source of
payment. All members of the board have a letter similar to Mr.
Boon's, he said. This is the offer from the Iredell Memorial
Board of Trustees.
Chairman Haire inquired if there was other discussion on this
proposal. Commissioner Madison said he thought there were other
folks present who wished to speak on this issue. Having been on
the board of health and done a lot of research work and listened to
all the discussions that have taken place since January 1994, he is
thoroughly convinced that this is a very valuable, unique asset of
the County, that is very difficult to put a price on. Commissioner
Madison said quite honestly he thought it could be worth five times
that or worth half that. He did not think anyone in the room had
the ability to say what it was worth unless they are willing to put
up their money and buy it. Commissioner Madison says he feels
there is an element of fairness in the community that should be
taken into consideration and addressed as this issue is considered.
Commissioner Madison said the proposal sounds good, but
another hospital in Statesville pays taxes every year and has
expressed an interest in the agency. They would also be paying
taxes on the equipment. He is in favor of the upset bid process
and thinks the Iredell Memorial is a good opening bid.
Commissioner Hamby said the state mandates the County to
provide this service, and she feels if the service is put out to
bid, Iredell Memorial is the only agency based in Iredell County
except the health department who would be bidding on this service.
Commissioner Madison added that if Iredell Memorial Hospital
or any other agency defaults in its service, it will still come
back to Iredell County to provide the service. That is a
responsibility of the county commissioners, he said.
Commissioner Boone said this has all been discussed before,
and he is satisfied that Iredell Memorial Hospital will provide
good quality care and is satisfied they are as likely as anyone to
provide indigent care. Private negotiations are allowed under the
state law and bids cannot be restricted if the sale of agency is
put out for bid, so bidding cannot be limited to the three
hospitals in the county, or he would be in favor of that.
Commissioner Boone said this may be the best option they have.
Commissioner Madison inquired if it is legal to put up
something for bid and then reject all bids. Mr. Joel Mashburn said
the law says you can reject any and all bids. Commissioner
Madison said you could find out what it's worth if you put it out
to bid.
Commissioner Boone said his understanding is that you could
reject a bid because of value or quality, but the County should be
prepared to make a defense if they did not accept the low bid.
JUN 7 P 545