The Ouachita County Medical Center looks for community in passing a 0.5 percent sales tax and use to help with operation, improvements, renovations, expansion and equipment for the hospital and related healthcare facilities.
OCMC CEO Peggy Abbott came with attorney Ryan Bowman to the March Ouachita County Quorum Court meeting explaining the dire need for a special election to help provide needed money to keep the hospital running and independent. The hospital operates for roughly $150,000 daily to meet its $35 million fiscal yearly budget.
"We never turn anyone away, and we believe in and support the community," said Abbott.
Abbott stressed the need for the hospital to continue to remain independent and not go under the umbrella of a bigger company. She added most hospitals going with larger companies undergo major job and service losses during the change over. Major losses could include the loss of the heart catheter lab, OBGYN services, orthopedic surgeries and scale down of business and Human Resources department, according to Abbott.
The hospital employees are taking pay cuts to make the operation budget work and provide services to the community, said Abbott. During February, the hospital reduced payroll by $40,000.
After hearing Abbott's plea to help, the members of the court passed ordinances allowing for a special election on June 11. If passed, the hospital could be getting funds by December.
Justices of the Peace Eddie Pickett and Dennis Truelove expressed concerned that residents would not vote in favor because taxes are already high in Ouachita County at 10.5 percent, compared to 9.75 in Union County. The new tax gives the hospital $100,000 a month for use or $1.2-$1.4 million a year.
Bowman is working with the Judge Robert McAdoo and the county clerk on the language for the ballot.