Clay Commissioners Still Want Hospital, Unsure How To Proceed

Clay County Commissioners want to bring a medical facility to the county, but do not know the best way to do so with limited financial resources.

4th District Commissioner Winton Young said while he does not have all the answers, the people of Clay County deserve some kind of medical facility.

“I’m sure Mr. Presley is wanting to do something with that building, he has been paying the utilities on it for several months,” “And I’m sure he would like to have it in operating condition, but we have just not been able to work out anything that will benefit both him and the county at this time.”

First Commissioner Bryan Coons said he knows that all ten commissioners including Mayor Dale Reagan want to have the hospital open. He said it hinges on the issue of money.

“We don’t have money just coming out of our ears I guess you could say,” Coons said. “But it’s hard to invest in something when you don’t know if it’s going to happen or not.”

Fourth District Commissioner Jerry Rhoton:

“I think I speak for all the commissioners, we’ve all talked about it,” Rhoton said. “We’d all like the hospital, but we’re limited on what we can do to help.”

Commissioner Young said there is still hope, but it may be a long shot.