Town Halls meetings scheduled to discuss Hospital District
Published 7:19 am Saturday, November 18, 2017
By Dawn Burleigh
The Orange Leader
As citizens are questioning the upcoming election concerning the formation of a Hospital District in Orange County, two Town Hall meetings have been scheduled for 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 5, 2017 at Cypress Center of Lamar State College – Orange.
With intent to educate the public, Orange County Judge Stephen Brint Carlton will discuss the ballot options regarding the hospital district and speakers from both sides of the issue will have 10 minutes to speak. Audience questions will be answered as well.
Town Hall meetings were held in February of this year to answer some of the many questions residents have had concerning the formation of the district.
The court accepted a petition signed by more than 100 individuals requesting the issue be brought before the voters.
Two prior petitions were denied due to not containing the correct language by state statute or not the correct information by the individuals signing the petition.
A year ago, in Nov. 2016, the City of Orange as steps in steps move forward in establishing a Veterans Administration Hospital facility in Orange, the need for non-military citizens is also being addressed as the council agreed to hire a consultant to focus on the needs of the community. Other entities in the county agreed to contribute to the funding of the NewLight Market Study. A study which provided figures such as the number of beds needed, the cost to build a hospital and optimal locations for such a facility.
A study by the firm included a demographic/service needs assessment for the area, which also outlined the income profile of residents within the area. Such a report also show the actual medical expenditures regional hospitals in the area are benefiting from local patients.
The wording for the proposition will read: The creation of the Orange County Hospital District and the levy of annual property taxes for hospital purposes at a rate not to exceed $0.18 cents each $100 valuation of all taxable property in the district. See a sample ballot at orangeleader.com
If passed and proved by the voters, the commissioners of the district will be selected by voters, one from each precinct and one at large for a total of five commissioners on the board.
Locations for early voting will be at the Orange Public Library, Bridge City Public Works Building, Mauriceville Volunteer Fire Department, and Vidor ISD Administration Building.
Election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.
Early elections will be Monday, Dec. 4 – Friday, Dec. 8 and Monday, Dec. 11 – Friday, Dec. 15 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with extended hours on Tuesday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
