City assisting PMH

Purcell’s City Council voted Monday night to continue subsidizing Purcell Municipal Hospital as it faces numerous challenges.

The unanimous vote came at the Community Room of the Police Service Building to give the hospital $100,000 for the month of October, $50,000 a month from December through March, residual from fiscal year 2020-2023 from sales tax to the tune of $34,740.34 and residual from July-October 2023 from sales tax for $36,514.80.

Also in the package is $400,000 from A/P Vendor and $50,000 per month from December through March for a total amount of $771,255.14.

Hospital CEO Chris Wright said the pandemic coupled with supply chain issues and the delayed opening of the new facility for nine months resulted in numerous expenses including repairs to the old facility.

Wright expressed his appreciation to the council for their support saying it is imperative, “So we can continue offering quality health care.”

Wright also reported to the council about the recent hospital audit where they were issued a clean opinion.

In his treasurer’s report Victor Lohn told the council sales tax collections are up 6.5 percent over this time last year. He said the tobacco tax is up just over one percent.

Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority energy specialist Palma Lough presented the city a check for $20,000 for the work of city clerk Andie Millsap and electric department superintendent Trey Phillips and his staff.

In his quarterly report Jackie Wadley told the council his ambulance service is fully staffed.

In other business the council:

• declared the Airport Dixon riding mower as surplus.

• voted to purchase a fire department command vehicle from Seth Wadley Chevrolet for $55,382.

• approved the fire department’s purchase of a supply line from Municipal Emergency Services through Sourcewell for $52,777.16.

• recognized receipt of the Purcell Municipal Airport Minimum Standards recommendation.

• approved the application of the OMAG escrow credit to the tune of $22,706.90.

After an executive session the council took no action in open meeting.

City council members present at the meeting included Ted Cox, Mayor Graham Fishburn, Theda Polk, Allen Eubanks and Jay Tate.

City attorney Greg Dixon, City Manager Dale Bunn, Emergency Management Director Rachael Huey, Lohn and Millsap were in attendance for the city.