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Show About the way It is in Iron County Valley View Medical Center As has been pointed out before this hospital is a fine institution. It is the only accredited institution between Las Vegas and Provo. This accreditation comes from excellence in the facility and services rendered. One of the latest improvements is that the hospital has been accredited and approved to draw and store blood for a blood bank. But among other problems the hospital has money problems. The advent of medicare and the rapid rate of inflation occuring since 197G has caused the hospital to operate unprofitabley on a cash basis. This operating deficit has been covered by tax funds. Accounts receivable usually run in excess of $200,000. If all accounts could be collected there would be no deficit. But it seems that more and more people either cannot or will not pay their bills. County Hospitals are failing all over the country for this reason. Considerable improvements are needed at the hospital, principally more parking space, better access to the delivery and emergency areas, better drainage from around the building, replacement and repair of sidewalks, curb and gutter around the hospital property, etc. It will be necessary to increase the tax levy to maintain this operation. SHOULD THE COUNTY BE IN THE HOSPITAL BUSINESS OR SHOULD THE FACILITY BE SOLD TO PRIVATE OPERATORS?? 1 County Seat - Iron County During the last few years prior to 1975, I approximately $1,200,000 was spent or committed on the Court House. This did not include drapes, furniture, landscaping i and the parking lot which will cost another $60,000 at least. This building must be equipped and maintained as befits the County Seat which will require a new tax load. The County Infirmery located adjacent to the Court House is becoming old and in Taxes It is already written that the tax load will increase for this year for the State, the Schools and for the County. How much will be determined during the next two months on a County level. W'Tiat most people do not realize is the tax advantage Iron County has had from the iron mining industry during the last 25 years. This tax base is calculated from shipments from the mines. As the mines are depleted the base is reduced and need of considerable repair. If this operation is to be continued considerable landscaping is needed, curb and gutter should be installed and the asphalt street surface brought to the curb in front of the Court House and around the infirmery property. Federal and State regulations pertaining per-taining to rest homes are becoming so restrictive, it appears this facility should be closed or sold to private interests. ultimately will reach zero. The base was reduced over $2,000,000 durin" the last year. If services are to be maintained, you the taxpayer will pay. We shouild work to keep more of our tax money at home, for use by local government. G. D. MacDonald Chairman Iron Co. Commission |