D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring Had A Legitimate Question

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
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334-790-1729
Date: Sep 27 2022 3:45 PM

HOUSTON COUNTY:     On Thursday D3 Houston County Commissioner Ricky Herring wanted an Attorney General Opinion on the 4 mills property tax requested by Southeast Health. 

The attorney for Southeast Health and the attorney for Houston County both said there were court rulings which stated the commission had no choice but to approve the tax request.

On Monday D3 Houston County Commissioner Ricky Herring recused and did not vote citing that he still wanted an Attorney General Opinion. Three commissioners voted in favor the measure passed.

ALL KNOW RICKEY STOKES AND RICKY HERRING ARE NOT EXACTLY FANS OF EACH OTHER

What was once a good solid friendship between Rickey Stokes and Ricky Herring no longer exists. But I will have to side with Ricky Herring on this issue.

National Healthcare, who once occupied the Six Story building now housed by Houston County as it’s Administrative Building, managed Southeast Health. At the head of National Healthcare was a man by the name of Steve Phelps.

National Healthcare grew like wildfire and many old Dothan bought stock in National Healthcare. While managing Southeast Health ( at the time was Southeast Alabama Medical Center ) Phelps reduced the property tax millage the hospital was receiving.

Then National Healthcare tanked almost as quick as it skyrocketed. It left many Dothan citizens holding the bag and that is why Houston County bought the six story building to bail them out.

Phelps and associates left Dothan and new management of Southeast Health.

ACOM. 

When ACOM was proposed under then CEO of Southeast Health Ron Owens the property tax millage was increased for the college.

FAST FORWARD TO 4 MILLS TAX.  

The request from Southeast Health to increase to 4 mills tax came to the Houston County Commission without much advanced notice. What is funny about the request is several hospital officials said they did not count on the tax much. If they did not count on it then why were they requesting it.

While I have not read the court opinion the attorney’s spoke to, what I think D3 Commissioner Herring question was, the voter’s in the late 1940’s voted for the tax to operate the hospital. Then the hospital requested to reduce the amount of the property tax.

While the court opinion said it was mandatory to approve, was that the original tax or now? In other words, the original vote of the people was followed and the millage given to the hospital. Then the hospital said we do not want the full 4 millage anymore. Is it legal to give the millage back without a vote of the people?

So D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring, in my opinion, was asking for a legal opinion to the Houston County Commissioner’s remained legal. During the “legal” explanation of the hospital attorney and county attorney that particular question was never asked.

IF SOUTHEAST HEALTH GETS IT WHAT ABOUT FLOWERS HOSPITAL 

Some have asked if Southeast Health gets the 4 mills property tax what about Flowers Hospital? Well Flowers Hospital is a private owned hospital and does not qualify. Southeast Health is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) non profit entity and does qualify.

AS THE QUESTION ON THE EMS FUNDING 

Houston County Commission voted to fund EMS with $ 750,000.00 to be divided between the EMS units in Houston County. The question that has been posed is that divided by 5 EMS or 6. In other words does Pilcher Ambulance qualify for that funding.

Some have said that Pilcher Ambulance would get a share of the $ 750,000.00. However Pilcher Ambulance is a private owned for profit business and not a 501 ( c ). ( 3 ). So not sure on the legality of their getting a portion of the $ 750,000.00.

If they do qualify then how is it Flowers Hospital does not qualify?

D3 COMMISSIONER HERRING HAD A LEGITIMATE QUESTION 

Chairman Culver and the members of the Houston County Commission ignored D3 Commissioner Ricky Herring’s question. However his question was legitimate and on target. And the vote on Monday by the Houston County Commission could possibly violate the law.

Because the hospital once said they no longer needed the 4 mills property tax. 

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