Bristow Hospital Authority asks city attorney to draft $2.5 million amendment to Carrus contract

The Bristow Hospital Authority voted Sept. 3 to instruct the city attorney to draft an amendment increasing operational support to Carrus Lakeside to $2.5 million.

City Attorney Beth Anne Childs told trustees the state required Bristow to address multiple code exceptions — including hallway width — while granting other hospitals exemptions. "The State has not done the City of Bristow any favors. They have hurt the city," Childs said, and she told trustees that Carrus has put its own money into keeping the hospital operating. Childs recommended specific amendment language and said she would provide draft language to trustees the following week for review before presenting it to Carrus.

Trustees pressed Childs on the risk that Carrus could withdraw if additional funds were provided but the state denied a change in hospital classification. Trustee Joe Church said, "we really have to do whatever is needed so the hospital won't close." Childs said Carrus must give formal notice before leaving and that she hopes the state will grant the necessary licenses.

A motion by Trustee Brian Peters, seconded by Trustee Heather Green, instructed the City Attorney to draft an amendment to the Development Agreement with Carrus Lakeside to increase operational support to $2.5 million; the motion passed on a roll-call vote (Church Aye; Fletcher Aye; Green Aye; Johns Aye; Peters Aye; Roberts Aye; Witty No).

The attorney also reported that state inspectors and Dr. Frazier are scheduled to inspect the hospital at 9:00 a.m. on Sept. 6 and asked trustees to notify the mayor if they could attend without creating a quorum.

Next steps: Childs will circulate draft amendment language to trustees for review before adding the item to a future agenda.