Hamilton County Takes Steps Toward a Healthier Future
In an exciting move for residents, Hamilton County is gearing up for a major upgrade in health services! On Wednesday, county commissioners decided to waive an important rule that was previously poised to complicate plans to sell the aging health department building on East Third Street. This decision paves the way for a new, modern facility to be built near Engel Stadium, thanks to a collaborative effort among county officials, Erlanger Health, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC).
The Big Announcement
In a press conference held last week, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, Erlanger CEO Jim Coleman, and UTC Chancellor Steven Angle shared their exciting plans. Erlanger Health has agreed to purchase the current health department building for a whopping $10 million. That money, along with funding from various sources, will help establish a shiny new health department where it is much needed!
A Step Toward Modernization
The current health department has seen better days. With over 60 years under its belt, the East Third Street building needs a lot of maintenance and upgrades. Mayor Wamp firmly believes that having a new health department will not only mean better facilities but also the possibility of enhanced service delivery for Hamilton County residents. “We envision a location that is fit for the future,” Wamp stated excitedly.
The new site is projected to use a smaller footprint than the existing building, which is over 100,000 square feet. Well, that’s one enormous building we won’t be needing! By using a modern layout, officials hope to streamline services, making access to health care much easier for people across the county. Moreover, Wamp hinted at some possible partnerships with nonprofits to take on certain services that don’t necessarily need to be run by the county.
Community Impact
Some commissioners raised questions about the overall benefits this could bring to residents. Commission Chair Jeff Eversole asked about the advantages for taxpayers, emphasizing the need to have a clear business case for this sale. Wamp explained that Erlanger made a strong case about how this sale was essential for their future operations, and the county stands to gain from it as well.
One of the standout facts is that the county will also benefit from financing options. Not only is the sale price appealing, but the county can tap into $4 million in leftover federal funds from the pandemic to finance this new project! If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a possibility to use past bond proceeds—over $3 million—to help with the development.
Looking Ahead
For those wondering when all this will kick off, the county is set to hold on to the current health department for about two years, with a chance to extend for a third year. Wamp is optimistic that this timeframe is more than sufficient to plan and oversee a smooth transition to the new facility, ensuring that services for residents remain uninterrupted.
In a bid to make the transition as seamless as possible, Wamp has urged the health department’s staff to put any large-scale maintenance projects on hold. Why spend money fixing an old building when you could invest in a new one?
Conclusion
As discussions continue, it’s clear that the future of health services in Hamilton County is bright! With a brand-new facility on the horizon, residents can look forward to modernized health services that will serve the community much better than before. It’s all about focusing on a healthier tomorrow, and Hamilton County is undoubtedly on the right path!
