Appraisal of FCH assets anticipated in December
by Deborah Simcox, correspondent
“Still waiting” was the sentiment most often expressed at the Monday night’, Oct. 25 meeting of the Fayette County Hospital Board.
The compelling issue was the Sarah Bush Lincoln (SBL) acquisition proposal. SBL made the hospital an offer earlier this year, with the board doing its due diligence in exploring the value of the hospital and its assets, as well as deciding what is in the best interest of the hospital.
Although Fayette County Hospital is owned by the Fayette County Hospital District, it has been under the operation of Sarah Bush Lincoln since July 1, 2019.
Board Chair Nancy Pryor opened the discussion with questions on the progress of the acquisition proposal, including her understanding that there were to be “preset dates for each phase of the process….We didn’t realize that it would take this long” to get the appraisal, which has been scheduled for mid-December.
Sarah Bush Lincoln Representative Dennis Pluard fielded questions, including Charlie Barenfanger’s inquiry, “Who will be the trustee?”
Board counsel Bill Bradley, also addressed questions including Doug Knebel’s question of what protection the State of Illinois could offer to Fayette County. Bradley said that he would look into these issues. David Wasmuth voiced the necessity for an agreement on the “fair value” of the assets of FCH. Several board members expressed views such as “Make sure the board is behind the idea,” and “Pass the resolution, then work on the agreement.”
It was decided that the board would meet, after this meeting adjourned, in a closed executive meeting to determine each board member’s opinion of whether or not to continue with the acquisition proposal. The results of the executive meeting had not been released at the time Leader Union went to press.
Other items on the agenda that preceding the discussion of the Sarah Bush Lincoln acquisition proposal included the resignation of Marsha Lilly-Wright, who had served on the board for 25 years. She was given a card and a gift, and refreshments were served. Karen Miller was then voted in, to fill Lilly-Wright’s position as secretary/treasurer. Planning Committee Chair Jim Lay, reported progress on the HVAC issues, fire pump, control, nurse call system, generator and landscaping for the new parking lot. The asbestos removal at Long Term Care is scheduled for the first part of December. CEO Greg Starnes reported that 74.7 percent of the hospital staff has been vaccinated. Incentives were offered to encourage employees to do so. Legal counsel Bill Bradley reported that the total of the tax levy is the same as last year, with increases in Social Security taxes and general corporate taxes.
