Residents urge using food-and-beverage funds for splash pad; raise regional hospital concerns

During public comment at the July 22 Maryville Town Council meeting, residents urged the council to use food-and-beverage tax revenues for recreational projects such as a splash pad and asked the town to engage on regional health-care threats linked to proposed Medicaid reductions. Resident Darienne Collins said the town has $1,900,000 in food-and-beverage tax money and urged officials to pursue partnerships with utilities to develop a splash pad at Hidden Lake or other park sites. Clerk-Treasurer Mr. January said the town received a food-and-beverage payment of $151,494 that brought the fund to a reported figure read aloud during the meeting; he noted balances reflect obligations and existing debt schedules and that staff will provide fuller financial statements periodically. Collins also urged the town to act regionally in response to reported Medicaid reductions she said could threaten Methodist Hospital Northlake. She suggested the town explore partnerships or buyer options if hospitals face closure and asked the council to coordinate with regional stakeholders. Council members did not take formal action on the health-care concern at the meeting. Parks staff and council members said the dog park is included in the five-year master plan and that meetings with department heads and budget planning are underway as the town enters budget season. No appropriation of food-and-beverage funds or formal commitment to a splash pad project was made at the meeting; staff said they would continue budget and planning discussions in upcoming committee meetings and would provide more detailed financial reporting to the council. The clerk-treasurer and park staff encouraged residents to participate in upcoming job fair and community events; staff also said they would provide the town's emergency-preparedness plan to a resident who asked for it.