A campaign to persuade Wellington County councillors to vote against $9 million in hospital funding is underway, after county councillor Ken Chapman presented a notice of motion to coincide with a planned June 26 council discussion on the funding request.
Chapman put his motion forward at council’s May 29 meeting, along with a letter circulated to all councillors.
He is seeking more information on the request from hospital CEO Jerome Quenneville earlier this year for $9 million in funding, which would be split between Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus, Louise Marshall Hospital in Mount Forest and the Palmerston and District Hospital.
The request would see Groves receive $5 million, with the remaining $4 million split between the other two hospitals.
Prior to the county council vote on the matter later this month, hospital officials are expected to present information to the county’s administration, finance and personnel committee regarding what the funding will cover.
Chapman would like the issue deferred until after the Oct. 27 municipal election, which could result in changes on county council.
However, Warden Chris White told the Advertiser the matter can not be deferred until it is introduced for discussion – and council agrees to the deferral – on June 26. White also believes that if approved, the funding “will be split over many years.”
Chapman has raised concerns about interest if the county borrows the money and/or the cost to taxpayers if any money is added to the levy.
“I do not feel we will have enough information and time to make an informed decision on June 26,” Chapman said in his letter to councillors.
“I do not believe we should be committing to a $9-million donation of taxpayers money on behalf of the next county council.”
Chapman, who has garnered support from fellow councillor Lou Maieron, said the $9 million would equate to a 12 per cent increase in taxes, based on the estimate that for every $750,000 increase in spending, taxes have to go up by 1%.
The county has already donated $5 million to Groves to help fund a new hospital in Aboyne.
