VIDEO: The Fate Of OCH Continues To Stir Conversation

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI)- Many Starkville residents are wondering what the future holds for OCH Regional Medical Center.

In a special called meeting Tuesday, county supervisors agreed to sell the hospital if that’s what voters choose to do in November’s special referendum.

Board president Orlando Trainer said it’s quite simple, in order for the hospital to grow it needs to be associated with a company that has more resources.

“What we’re asking for the citizens to do is give us the authority to negotiate the best deal that we can based upon the individuals who have similar proposals,” said Trainer. “We have not selected one over the other, it’s too early for that, too many unknowns.”

Trainer said OCH’s $5 million loss in revenue could have impacted how supervisor’s voted on the matter.

The longtime county leader believes selling the hospital will allow the county to focus on other projects.

“Down through the years the hospital has been very good about utilizing some of its resources and putting it back into the hospital, and we have what we have here today, that’s great,” Trainer expressed. “As you look around and look at what’s going on, we see a lot of changes and a lot of those changes we cannot control, and you see a lot of county hospitals that are doing to diligence because we were looking out for the long-term health and well-being of our county.”

While the board is in favor of selling the facility, CEO Richard Hilton thinks it should remain under local control.

“We have never gotten operational support from the county to run this hospital,” said Hilton.

Hilton said he has concerns with some of the requirements the board has outlined for potential buyers.

“Especially in regards to the bonds, $25 million above the bond pay out of $35 million which is what is owed with the county on the bonds of the hospital,” Hilton explained. “The question that came to my mind is, those funds have to be put in escrow with interest and possibly premium penalty. Those bonds won’t be able to be paid off until a 10 year call date has been satisfied.”

The board is asking for potential buyers to expand clinical services throughout the hospital service area.

Hilton said that raises another red flag on whether to sell OCH, because it doesn’t guarantee those services will come to Starkville.

“I think that’s a limitation of knowing what’s in the bid,” said Hilton. “The wording that the bidder would use as far as what commitment are they making. Are they making that commitment to OCH and Starkville, or are they making it to the overall system service area.”

Hilton said he’s also disappointed that information regarding the proposals the board received yesterday won’t be released until after the November 7th vote.

However, Trainer said due to a confidentiality agreement that information can not be released to the public at this time.