MALDEN -- Kennett and the rest of the County will get to experience what Malden residents have been forced to deal with over the past couple of decades, according to one Malden resident.
During a special town hall meeting Thursday hosted by the Dunklin County Commissioner's office, Malden residents were given the chance to ask questions and become better informed on the upcoming hospital tax proposals which will be on the August 7 election ballot.
Presiding County Commissioner Don Collins, North district Commissioner Ron Huber and South District Commissioner Patrick McHaney announced they were holding these meetings in each town in Dunklin County in an effort to make the public better aware of what they will be voting on. The commissioners stressed that in no way are they trying to persuade voters' decisions at the booth.
Huber, who is the North County Commission's representative took control over the discussion, addressing the residents he represents. "We are here in an attempt to better explain what the propositions are, so that residents will be clear on what they are voting for or against," Huber said. "Another thing we want to stress is the fact that no one should be under the impression that Poplar Bluff is responsible for the hospital closing. It just happens that the owners of Twin Rivers Regional Medical Center is also the owner of Poplar Bluff Regional."
Also in attendance was Dr. Steve Pu, who was present in case he was needed to answer any questions concerning medical care. Pu said many local physicians have chosen to stay in the area but if there is no hospital, it will make it harder to do so for many.
"I am only here to answer questions in an effort to help clarify any discrepancies one may have regarding medical treatment or care pertaining to both, the urgent Cares or the future medical facility," Pu said. "By all means, if you feel you get the best treatment in Dexter, then continue going to Dexter. If you like the care you receive in Piggott, then continue seeing your physicians there."
One Malden resident, who identified himself as Dave Green, felt that Pu should not have any input in the discussion since he would have financial gain from the passing of the proposals.
Dr. Pu said if that's how he felt then he would refrain from answering any questions. "I was only here to help," Pu said.
Huber explained the Propositions again, explaining how Proposition Health would be a half-cent sales tax that would go towards the construction of the hospital and the second proposition being Proposition Care, which would be a property tax collected over a 30-year period, that would be used to operate the hospital.
The Commission explained again, how the county wants no part of managing a hospital and that they would hire a management team to oversee the operation and handle all aspects of management.
One of the most important highlights of the town hall meeting was clearing up the Property tax proposal. "The second proposal will be an additional $ .50 per $100 of the assessed value," Huber said. "This is not the value of your property, it is the assessed value, much is much less."
Huber explained how everyone could determine what this would cost them exactly per year. "If you pull your 2017 tax receipt, look at the Assessed value. "Take that and divide it by 100," Huber said. "Then you take that value and multiply it by 0.50 and that will give you your tax amount."
Huber explained how if someone had a home with an assessed value of $100,000, then they would pay $95.
Malden resident Joe Christianson made his voice heard by asking if the new hospital would have a friendlier staff than the most recent one. "Will they treat people better and not leave people in the waiting room for three hours?" Christianson asked.
At that time, Commissioner Collins asked Dr. Pu if he cared to address the comment. Dr. Pu stood and told Mr. Christianson that he first wanted to apologize for anyone having that type of experience. "This type of hospital is designed to properly stabilize the patient and transport if need be," Pu said. "The main concern right now is that an ambulance can not pick a patient up and transport them to the Urgent Care facilities we now have open. If someone is having a heart attack, they have minutes to get to a proper medically equipped and staffed emergency room in order to save their life."
At that time, Kennett resident Tina Brown stood to speak. "I just started looking into this tax and hospital recently and I came to a conclusion," she said. "I may never step foot in the new Kennett hospital, should it be built. But what about all of the people who do need it? Should they be left out, some who may not make it, others who may sustain greater injuries because from what I have learned, is minutes really do matter."
Brown said people are told they always either think with their minds or their hearts. "My heart is telling me to do what's humane," she said.
Another concern was addressed by Ken Cook of Malden. Cook asked about the longevity of the taxes and if the taxes would ever be raised.
The Commission explained that in order for anything to be raised, it would have to be brought back before the voters. "Our belief is that in a few years we would see the management reporting a great profit and at that time, we would actually roll the taxes back, which could range anywhere from the proposed $0.50 to zero," Collins said. "Of course nothing is guaranteed, but from everything we have researched, we feel that with this hospital design, it would be profitable in no time. I have 100-percent confidence this will be successful."
Jason Bean, an area farmer had a few questions pertaining to the hospital and tax as well. After asking his questions and receiving his answers, Bean said he would announce publicly that he would definitely be voting in favor of the taxes. "Being a farmer I see accidents all the time," he said. "And there's been times when minutes really do matter and that's a chance I do not want my family or friends to have to take."
The next scheduled town hall meeting will be held at 6 p.m.in Senath on Monday, July 16.