City Testimonials: "I hope that you have received 500 calls saying THANK YOU for the new playground at Bonforte Park! It is a terrific neighborhood park and we so appreciate the improvements. I walk by every day and see so many children and parents enjoying themselves." -Citizen Comment "The crew from Engine 15A were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, and extremely helpful, not only did this group of professionals represent the Fire Department in a positive light, they also speak to a city government that is responsive and courteous to the public."- Citizen Comment "We've found with projects we're doing, the City seems to be as proactive as they possibly can be." -Real Estate CEO "Grateful for the progress made by CSPD to curb shoplifting." -Business Loss Prevention Manager "Not only was my concern addressed in a professional and timely manner, but Finance Planning & Analysis Manager Leslie Hickey took the time to let me know that changes were on the way. This is the direct opposite of some folks' perception of local government." -Citizen Comment "Thank you very much for fixing the potholes on the round about for Squirrel Tail and Brainard as well as the divot by the water outlet on Squirrel Tail towards Musgrave. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" -Citizen Comment "Accounts Payable Supervisor Patti McFarland was true to her word, she called me back within days to give a status report. Then she called again to update me. Then, she called today to let me know she had been able to contact the unreachable tow company, received an invoice, and would be reimbursing the portion the business manager agreed to pay! I know that it was a sustained effort because I tried for several months and got nowhere. I can't express my overwhelming gratitude to Patti and your office for their work in this matter. We run a service-based business and try to learn from other organizations whenever we can. I will bring up this instance at our weekly meeting as an example of good service to be commended and followed.Thanks to you and Patti for the surprisingly positive experience I had with your office." -Local Small Business Owner "Thanks to Traffic Technician Pete Doyle, his community attitude to work with the residents is commendable. Thank you once again." -Citizen Comment "Streets Operations Manager Bard Lower has provided me superb customer service, above and beyond what could reasonably be expected. I know that this has been a priority for your administration, and I felt it important to let you know that it is working. Mr. Lower and his associates deserve kudos for their proactive, thorough handling of this five-year-old snow plowing issue and I am grateful to you as well for making the City more responsive to citizen requests." -Citizen Comment "As a new resident of Colorado Springs, it’s apparent that the City really does excel in taking care of its residents and treats its citizens more like neighbors and friends than just customers on a long “to-do” list. Thank you for all your exceptional service." -Citizen Comment
You are here: Home / Press Releases / City Council Decision on Memorial Health System

City Council Decision on Memorial Health System

August 24, 2011 By

City Council Decision on Memorial Health System Summarized

Yesterday’s Council decision regarding Memorial Health System was preceded by complex and wide-ranging presentations.  Please see the summary below which clarifies yesterday’s actions.

 What did Council decide to do?  In a 7 – 2 vote, Council members decided to add an item to the November ballot that would allow voters to repeal a 1949 ordinance that requires City Council to implement a tax to pay for any operating deficit of Memorial Health System.  Council also voted to seek “RFP’s” or Requests for Proposals, from interested groups to lease and operate Memorial Health System, to be completed by the end of 2011.

Why is the Council considering the operations of Memorial Health System?  The current operating model, which features City Council oversight, will not provide sufficient flexibility for future success.  Local advisory groups have suggested business models to ensure the long-term success of Memorial Health System.  Memorial executives have lobbied for a model that would set up a locally controlled non-profit to run the organization. Council considered this item as a step toward a new business model for Memorial.

What was the mayor’s position?  “Memorial Hospital is the second largest asset the City owns.  This is a big decision and all options should be considered.  Only one proposal has been investigated. A fair, open and comprehensive process, allowing all qualified parties to propose, must take place,” Bach said.  “Furthermore, all future financial risk and liability must be eliminated for the taxpayers.  PERA must be the sole responsibility of the future health system operator not the taxpayer.  A fair return on investment must be provided to the citizens/owners. Voters should make the decision about the future of Memorial Hospital.”

What will happen next?  The referred item will appear on the Nov. 1 ballot for voter consideration.  The City will also begin a Request for Proposal process to encourage interested organizations to submit proposals for leasing and operating Memorial Health System.  Accepted bids will be considered by a Council task force, the Mayor’s office and representatives of the Regional Leadership Forum.  Any winning bid would be presented for voter approval.

Share
Filed Under: Press Releases Tagged With: , , ,