Clayton County commissioners delayed approving a fiscal 2016 budget Tuesday night to give an outside consulting firm time to find a workable solution for the county’s ailing hospital.
Commissioners tapped Deloitte Transactions and Business Analytics to look at “partnership opportunities” for Southern Regional Medical Center. Deloitte has two weeks and up to $125,000 from the county to investigate and present options to the commissioners at their June 16 meeting, including bringing in a potential financial partner for the hospital.
The 2016 budget up for approval Tuesday contained no money for the hospital, which has been burdened with providing free care to patients who can’t pay while dealing with federal and state cuts. Uncompensated care costs totaled $21 million for Southern Regional in fiscal year 2014.
The county chipped in last year with monthly payments to defray costs, but said it was a one-time deal, and voters approved a $50 million bailout package that paid off hospital bonds and freed up several million a year for the hospital.
“I look forward to seeing the results of this work and continuing to work with our board to save the hospital,” said Southern Regional Chief Executive Kim Ryan, who appealed to the commissioners for continued financial support Tuesday night.
Ryan told the commissioners that in addition to declining revenues, the hospital is in dire need of new equipment and renovations.
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