Family Health Services seeks county support for Hazelton clinic purchase; city must own building

Representatives with Family Health Services asked the Jerome County Board of Commissioners for financial support to help the City of Hazelton acquire a building to reopen a local clinic.

"The asking price of the building is $350,000," said Camille Barigar during the group's presentation. Aaron (Arron) Houston said buying an existing building, rather than building new, would make the project cheaper and open eligibility for additional grants. Camille told commissioners that the city must own the building to qualify for some grants and that private ownership would not meet those requirements: "Camille stated that the city of Hazelton must purchase the building to be eligible for the grants. It cannot be a private owner."

David Orr said the City of Hazelton has saved about $150,000 from previous budgets and hopes to save an additional $80,000 this year, but the group still needs outside funds. The delegation asked the county to consider donating up to $100,000 over two years toward the purchase; Commissioner Ben Crouch replied the commissioners are in the midst of budgeting and cannot make a commitment until the county's budget picture is clearer in a few weeks.

No funding vote was taken at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to include the request in ongoing budget discussions so it can be considered with other priorities.