Mahaska Health Partnership Discuss Options After Supervisor Vote

Mahaska Health Partnership is still discussing last minute changes and bid's on their upcoming construction project. (photo D.Hubbard)

Mahaska Health Partnership’s Board of Trustees met Monday evening after the Mahaska County Supervisors held their vote on the urban renewal designation for MHP.

Jay Christensen, MHP’s CEO, informed the board of Mahaska County Supervisors 2 to 1 decision not to adopt the urban renewal designation for MHP. We really didn’t get any feedback except 3 people spoke supporting the project and one stated it should be a public vote.

Christensen and Board members referenced the public hearing at the Courthouse November 30th where it appeared the public spoke in favor of the hospitals project. “No explanation” was Christensen’s comment to the MHP Board in regard to how the County Supervisors had voted earlier in the day.

“Obviously we’re disappointed, it delays things at the very least.” (speaking of the building project) Christensen said.

Christensen noted to the Board that the bonding spread would lead to higher interest rates than had been quoted, even the month prior, for revenue bonds that would now be issued by the hospital.

Decisions on the financing with the bonding agent will continue upon the agents return to his office. It is not yet clear what the next steps the hospital will take in that regard.

Christensen stated he didn’t yet have a recommendation for the MHP’s Board of Trustee’s yet, but was fairly confident that by the end of the week they would have options available to them in the direction of bonding and financing.

Another possibility is revisiting the proposal with the Board of Supervisors once again in January after new Supervisor elect Ken Rozenboom takes office.

In other business the board approved new staff hires, also their hospital association dues to Iowa Hospital Association and the American Hospital Association.

Another item approved was the purchase of a bladder ultrasound scanner for $13,150.00, pointing out the lower infection rates with its use versus other techniques.

Also approved was the purchase to replace a radio dispatch system that had been damaged by lightning for $22,000.00.

Building and ground covered options available to the Board on the upcoming building project. Items such as landscaping, awnings, and entrances were discussed as well as parking and traffic.