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In a 3-to-2 vote on Monday, the Escambia County Commission voted to approve an ad valorem hospital tax referendum putting the decision in the hands of the voters in the county.
Voting for the resolution were Commissioners Steven Dickey, Brandon Smith and Raymond Wiggins. Voting against the resolution were Commissioners Larry White and Karean Reynolds.
White said his reason for not approving the resolution for the tax is the lack of information to make a sound decision in the matter.
“Who pays for the referendum,” White asked.
Wiggins explained that members of the Escambia County Healthcare Authority had indicated they were willing to pay the cost of the vote when they approached the Commission on the matter.
White then explained his reasons for opposing the action on Monday.
“Several months ago the Healthcare Authority came to us advising of the financial problems at the hospital,” White said. “They asked us to put a 4-mil ad valorem, tax up from a 1947 law on the ballot for the people to support the hospitals in financial stress. Based on figures from the Healthcare Authority or their financial officers on Oct. 1, 2024, show a deficit of $6 million. The 4-mills would produce $1.8 million, estimated. We have asked for a business plan that would show how $1.8 million would cover the deficit. What cuts would they make or what other sources do they have to cover the deficit? That has not been provided to us – no business plan or an answer to the shortfall. Where is the remainder of the deficit coming from? Medicaid? They have their own problems. A state action? AllHealth (a plan to help rural hospital across the state) was considered, but it failed. The Federal government? There are several efforts put forth to help rural hospital in the nation, but that would be a long process. Do we expect the local business community to step up again and contribute? They’ve been so good and we’re fortunate to have local businesses support the hospitals, but can we expect them to step up with contributions?
“There is one other source for immediate relief and that would be more local taxes. I oppose this motion until the people of Escambia County are provided with information on this motion. I urge the voters of Escambia County to request financial accountability when considering their vote.”
Commissioner Karean Reynolds said he agreed with White’s comments opposing the passing of the resolution.
“I agree with Mr. White,” Reynolds said. “I don’t have adequate information to make a decision. I need more information – same information tax payers should see before voting.”
Commissioner Steven Dickey asked if the petition that had been circulating through the community had been presented to the Commission. Chairman Raymond Wiggins said the petition had been received, however, the plan to put the vote before the Commission was already on the agenda for a vote.
Commission Attorney Dave Jordan said the vote on the resolution by the Commission would set in motion the calling for a vote by voters in the county on the matter.
The vote is expected to be held in a special election set for Sept. 23.
In other business Monday, the Commission:
• confirmed the award of a bid for replacement of the roof at the Escambia County Detention Center to Roofing Solutions LLC with a project cost of $369,000;
• approved the list of insolvents, errors and omissions as presented by Escambia County Tax Collector Tim Pettis;
• heard from County Administrator Ron Cink concerning the position of medical examiner for the county. Cink was authorized to send a letter of inquiry to licensed physicians in the county on their interest in the medical examiners position. Wiggins said the effort would allow county physicians who may be interested in the position to be considered when a recommendation is made to the State for appointment.