The Cross County Quorum Court took the first step last night towards a vote on the hospital’s one-cent sales tax. Justices approved an ordinance presented by Gary Sparks, administrator of CrossRidge Community Hospital, who is seeking a renewal of the tax.
The ordinance levies the one-cent tax that has been renewed every four years since it was originally passed in 2000. The county owns the facility, which is leased to St. Bernards in Jonesboro.
Sparks noted the tax was expected to generate $1.5 million in the first year, and is now approaching twice that amount. There was some discussion among the board about whether the hospital could seek less than the penny. Sparks noted collections have been somewhat higher in recent months due to restoration following the storm, but that will eventually level out. The hospital is also showing a loss of nearly $500,000 after 10 months due to rising costs, and lower compensation from insurance providers.
Justices approved the ordinance on first reading, meaning Sparks will be back before the board in October. A second ordinance, calling for the election in March, was tabled until the first ordinance is passed.
In other news, justices approved two ordinances dealing with American rescue funds, one to purchase a 2023 Dodge Ram truck special services vehicle for the sheriff’s office, and the other excavators for the county road department. Another ordinance to purchase radar equipment for the sheriff’s office was also approved.
