CELINA-The Celina board of aldermen voted to offer an incentive to those interested in reopening the hospital here at their meeting last week, and city mayor Luke Collins says he supports the decision.

“We have earmarked $250,000 of the covid money given to us by the federal government to try to encourage a hospital to come here,” Collins said Monday.  “Just because it was given to us doesn’t mean we should waste it, so we want to be frugal, but the city feels like, and I agree, that the hospital is certainly important enough to subsidize to get it here.

“We subsidize the jail.  We subsidize education.  We subsidize the ambulance service, parks, roads— all those things.  So we feel like a hospital is important enough to be subsidized and we hope that the county will agree with us and that they will match or more.”

Collins explained the city received $400,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and Clay County was awarded $1.5 million.

“At this point and time, Celina and Clay County have a unique opportunity because of these ARPA funds,” Collins said.  “When you talk to (prospective hospital operators), they all talk about community buy in and community support.

“Well when you put up some money, I think that sends a message that you are involved and you are serious.”

Collins also revealed healthcare provider Boa Vida had expressed interest in reopening the hospital and he explained the city had been involved in talks with the company for some time now.

“Every indication is that they are a great company and they have very good success stories,” Collins said.  “Their history shows very positive things and we hope that we can work it out.”

See a future HORIZON for more on this story, including more from Collins and further information on Boa Vida.