A lengthy discussion about the economic impact of Bradley County Medical Center and options for its future was held at Monday’s monthly Bradley County Economic Development Corp. board meeting.
BCMC CEO Leslie Huitt began her presentation by discussing a Rural Health Partnership economic impact study that showed the hospital has an annual economic impact of about $40 million. It is one of the largest employers in the county with 230 employees and a $12.4 million payroll.
“There are many industries that couldn’t be here if they didn’t have access to medical care,” Huitt said.
She said the hospital would be converting to new software in the next few months. Also, BCMC is participating in a three-year program that will provide several teams of consultants and expanded telemedicine services.
Huitt addressed a recently completed master plan that suggests either building a new hospital for about $30 million, part of which would be paid for through county sales tax funds, or repairing the current infrastructure, which could cost a total of about $15 million. She assured the board that the hospital is safe for use.
“We don’t need to lose our hospital,” said board member James Wells. Board Chairman Dr. Bob Smalling added, “We have to have a hospital in Warren, Ark., to attract people here.”
In other action:
- Accountant Bob Milton gave the financial report, showing about $125,000 in the bank accounts, with a $50,000 loan to J&E Food Group continuing to be shown as both an asset and liability. Another $621,000 is due over the next 12 years from LaSalle Corrections as payment on a spec building that the company had torn down. A monthly payment of $500 was received on a lease from WLS Sawmill but BCEDC had a $3,382 loss for January.
- A resolution was approved to honor the late Sue Wagnon, a longtime board member. Her son, Clay Wagnon, and daughter-in-law, Brenda Wagnon, were on hand to accept a copy of the resolution.
- Stacey Gorman and Jon Stone were welcomed as new members. New Warren Mayor Gregg Reep was also welcomed.
- Smalling reported city Community and Economic Development and broadband development meetings were held.
He also reported that the Executive Committee recommended that a new plat map be purchased for $80 and that BCEDC advertise for a part-time executive director. Motions were approved to accept the recommendations.
- Board member Devin McDiarmid reported the General Assembly was still considering amendments to an Education Bill. She said she was concerned about some funding issues that may be mandated for teachers.
- New Highway Commissioner David Haak of Texarkana and Arkansas Economic Development Commissioner Dana Poindexter will be invited to future BCEDC board meetings.
- Reep reported the city had received a new garbage truck. Bids for demolition of the Bryant’s Building are to be opened on Wednesday. Lawyers are drafting a letter to deal with the situation involving the Hankins-Ederington buildings.
- Bradley County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Terrie White said information is needed on rental properties. An Easter egg hunt will be held at the City Park on April 1. A Read Across America location has been established at the Chamber office. On March 10-11, Farmers Daughter Trade Days will be held at the fairgrounds.
