BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
Boos filled the City Chamber as the City Commission moved forward with the transfer of TMH to FSU.
Mayor John Dailey, Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Richardson, and Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox voted in favor.
"I don't miss this opportunity to be part of something historic that's going to be bring good health success to our community," said Commissioner Williams-Cox.
Commissioners Jeremy Matlow and Jack Porter disented.
Matlow wants the city to sell the hospital at fair market value, which he said is more than what FSU is paying.
His substitute motion for that voted down.
Porter argued an FSU partnership can still happen without a sale.
"What is the advantage of an academic medical center that FSU owns vs an academic medical center that is a partnership," said Commissioner Porter.
Before the vote, we learned more details about the deal, and some of it will now be finalized following Wednesday's vote.
The City's outside lawyer stressed that FSU will not be able to see TMH without coming back to the City Commission for approval.
He also said indigent care will remain at TMH as it has been for several decades.
"The memorandum essentially just extends that forward, there's no termination date to that, so that's something FSU would be agreeing to do for as long as they own the property," said Mark Mustian.
Next steps will now see the City draw up the final contract and set a final public hearing for March 11 at 9am.
UPDATE:
City commissioners voted to move forward with the transfer of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare to Florida State in a 3-2 vote on Wednesday night.
This means the City will draw up the final contract and set a final public hearing for March 11th at 9:00 a.m.
Original:
City of Tallahassee Commissioners are discussing potential next steps in the transfer of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare to Florida State University.
WATCH LIVE COVERAGE BELOW:
The potential transfer has divided the community, with some community leaders in favor of the merger saying they're interested in a boost in specialized care in our area, reduced travel to other areas, and the potential economic boost that is expected to come from this deal.
Analysis from the City of Tallahassee said the deal is expected to inject over $3.6 billion into the economy and create over 900 jobs in the next 30 years. Per the MOU, FSU will invest $1.7 billion locally over the next 30 years.
ABC 27 has spoken with neighbors for and against the issue.
Wednesday, members of Frontline Pastors Action Council hosted a press conference to announce their support of the merger. ABC 27 spoke with Pastor Rudy Ferguson on Tuesday about his support. He said many in his congregation are excited that the merger is expected to reduce travel time by bringing specialists to the area.
"It will be great to minimize the travel for those who have chronic illnesses and sicknesses, who need to see specialists in particular having to go to Gainesville, Shands, or having to go to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville," said Ferguson.
While other community leaders, like Dr. Bruce Strouble, with Tallahassee ALERT, said he still has concerns and believes there has been a lack of community engagement.
"What we're still hearing from constituents is why do we need to transfer ownership?" said Strouble. "That is a surrender of any leverage and then what happens if FSU owns everything? How do we protect ourselves from state intervention? How do we protect ourselves if FSU is just not doing a good job?"
Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox hosted a town hall Monday evening to answer questions. Strouble said he would like to see at least five more of these before a vote is taken.
Strouble said a good outcome for Wednesday's Commission meeting would be the Commission deciding to delay the process. Ferguson said he hopes the vote will pass Wednesday so steps can be taken to bring specialized care here.
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