It’s hard to believe the “new” hospital is seven years old, which I view as a testament to its timeless design and good upkeep.
A walk inside still catches my breath, it’s so pretty.
So when I cast my primary ballot — I couldn’t wait for Tuesday — I voted to renew the quarter-cent sales tax dedicated for the upkeep of Allen County Regional Hospital.
Even with Saint Luke’s Health System assuming the hospital’s management through a 10-year lease agreement, the county is still responsible for the physical property.
For the last 10 years, Allen County has directed one-fifth of its 1.25% sales tax to the hospital.
Initially, the funds were used to get the hospital up and running.
The tax, which garnered $504,460 for 2019, sunsets at the end of the year. Its renewal would be for another five years.
Saint Luke’s officials estimate it will require about $450,000 a year for the hospital’s maintenance.
If the measure fails, the money will come from our property taxes. One way or another, it has to be paid.
I have confidence the money will be shepherded wisely by members of the newly created hospital facilities board. Serving on the board are Terry Sparks, chairman, Loren Korte, vice chairman, John Brocker, Ryan Coffield, Jim Gilpin, Jeff Johnson and Mona Hull.
Two immediate projects are remodeling the hospital’s pharmacy followed by repairs to the radiology department.
FEW THINGS anchor a community like a hospital. It’s a calling card for prospective industries, especially of a larger size.
It’s because the county has a hospital that now-international companies such as Gates Manufacturing and Russell Stover Candies first located our way and continue to stay.
The other benefit of local healthcare facilities, much like those of higher education, is that they pay good wages and bring those with advanced educations. How does that benefit everyone else? Not to be crass, but good wage-earners are able to invest in real estate, support our local merchants and restaurateurs and buy big-ticket items like automobiles and lawn mowers.
They also help attract new talent and make us more diverse as communities.
