Read more: Local, Economy, Health, Tax, Hurley, Proposal
Signs both for and against Hurley Medical Center’s 0.9-mill proposal are springing up across Genesee County. There are more than two weeks left before voters head to the polls. Some say the proposal is a tax increase they can’t afford.
“Our home values seem to be going down but our taxes are going up,” said Carla Jensen of Clio. So Carla and her husband John put a sign in their yard, asking people to vote against the proposal.
The Jensen’s are not alone. Clio City Councilman Duane Mosher is against the proposal as well, but largely because he sees it as a Flint issue, not one affecting the suburbs.
”This one came up as a millage for a city-owned hospital, city of Flint, and other municipalities are looking to pay a millage in something that they have no direct representation in or in the operation of,” Mosher said.
However, Hurley Medical Center officials have a different take. President and CEO Patrick Wardell said Hurley handles nearly 70 percent of Genesee County’s uninsured or underinsured populations.
The plan would require an extra $50 a year for a person owning a home valued at $125,000. Wardell called it a small price for a big need.
“We’ve seen a 200 percent increase for people who require hospitalization and that’s in the last two years,” he said. “As the financial situation in our community deteriorates, it’s important we have the resources available to care for people who would otherwise not get that care,” he said.
There are supporters of the measure as well.
“I was a patient there and the trauma unit is excellent,” said Bea Davis of Genesee County. “I think we should support it.” The proposal goes to the voters on August 4th.
