Hospital RFP Deadline Looms; County Uncertain On Extension

 

Huntsville, TN (2011-06-20) Citing a lack of positive news from companies to the county’s Request for Proposals (RFPs) to find a new operator for the Scott County Hospital, county officials expressed uncertainty about extending its June 24th deadline for responses.

At its regular meeting Monday night, the Scott County Commission once again discussed exercising the County’s right to extend the deadline for responses to the hospital RFP. Community Development Committee Chairman Paul Strunk reported that little new information had come to light since the Committee’s work session on June 6, 2011 and that he did not expect to know more before the deadline. “We’re going to have to wait until Friday to know what we need to do,” Strunk said.

Strunk questioned County Attorney John Beaty on the procedure of informing interested parties should the county exercise its option to extend. Beaty noted that while a legally binding document might not be needed, the County would have to make a concerted effort to inform all the parties involved. “We would have to call everyone that received an RFP, as well as post the information on our website,” Beaty stated. In addition, Beaty strongly urged the County to make the decision to extend or not before June 24. “I would advise that you make the extension before you open any of the responses that you receive,” Beaty said.

By virtue of the enacting resolution, County Mayor Jeff Tibbals and Beaty have the right to extend the deadline for responses without further action from the County Commission.  All interested parities have until 12:00 p.m. on Friday to respond.

In other news Monday night, the Scott County Commission:

·        Gave final approval to plans for the construction of a loading dock and handicap ramp at the old Capital Hill School, for the purpose of making access to the Morgan/Scott Project Homeless Shelter and Capitol Hill Food Bank easier;

·        Approved a $1,000 contribution to the Scott County Museum to help fund summer workers at the facility; and,

·        Passed a Continuing Budget and Tax Rate resolution for the fiscal year 2011-2012, pending the completion of a budget for the year. Budget Committee Chairman Willie Boyatt stated that the Committee was continuing work on the budget, and was hopeful to have a document ready to present to the Commission in the coming weeks.