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Lakeside Neurologic warns fee increase could jeopardize 155 local jobs; board schedules March 10 workshop
Summary
Lakeside Neurologic leaders told commissioners that a proposed wastewater treatment/capacity fee increase would significantly affect the facility, which employs about 250 people (155 county residents) and paid nearly $300,000 in local taxes last year. Staff and commissioners arranged a March 10 workshop to review capacity fees and options.
Representatives of Lakeside Neurologic urged the Hardee County Board of County Commissioners to consider the wider economic effects of a proposed wastewater treatment and capacity fee increase.
"This represents about 155 local families who depend on these stable healthcare jobs," said Tim Ryan, identified in the transcript as a nursing home administrator and fifth‑generation Hardee County resident. He told the board Lakeside employs roughly 250 people and that increases of the magnitude being discussed would significantly affect the facility’s ability to remain one of the county’s largest employers and taxpayers.
Ray Fishee, Lakeside’s chief operating officer, echoed those concerns and said corporate ownership wants to remain and grow in the county but that higher fees could undermine recruitment and retention. Micah Hendrickson, the facility’s clinical program director, asked commissioners whether the county budget shortfall could be addressed differently and urged staff to explore alternatives.
County staff and the manager told the board they have scheduled a commission workshop for March 10 to examine utilities, capacity fees and related policies and that businesses affected by capacity fees should attend and present their concerns to help identify options. The county manager indicated any solutions will have to follow existing procurement and contract rules.
Commissioners thanked the Lakeside representatives for appearing, acknowledged the potential constraints of contracts and procurement policy, and said they will workshop the item to determine whether the county can provide relief or find alternatives without violating contracting limits.
Next step: March 10 workshop on utilities and capacity fees to discuss Lakeside’s and other businesses’ concerns.
