Georgia Mountains Health Requests Relief

Georgia Mountains Health CEO Steven Miracle pleaded with Blue Ridge Council Members to grant his request during a special called council meeting on December 28th.Miracle explained that the group of physicians provides care for patients with and without insurance. He added that fees for non-insured patients are based on a sliding scale according to income. As such, he asked the city grant relief on the sewer tap fee and the water line tap fee. If granted, this would save the organization $18,514 that they could use in other areas of the upcoming new facility project. The new facility will house all of its local health and dental providers as well as its corporate office employees. The expected date for breaking ground on this facility is January 15, 2013.

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(The request) would affect the city because they use the money received from these types of things to pay on the loan taken out in order to offer these services,”

Mayor Donna Whitener explained to Miracle. Council Member Rhonda Thomas made a motion to table the request until the next regular meeting. Council then approved the motion.

“This isn’t a decision I can make without thinking about it more,”

Council Member Michael Eaton said.

The next meeting will take place on January 8, 2013.