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Poll
An informal social media poll conducted by The Cordell Beacon shows Cordell’s voters support raising the city’s sales tax to support Cordell Memorial Hospital. The poll shows more than three in every four respondents support the measure.
The poll asked a single question: “On Sept. 10, 2019, Cordell residents will vote in a special election to approve a proposed one cent sales tax to support Cordell Memorial Hospital. Do you support the proposition?” Respondents were given three options: yes, no, and undecided.
The overwhelming majority of respondents, 79.55 percent, indicated they support the proposition, 11.36 percent were undecided, and 9.09 percent said they did not support the proposition.
“I have been extremely pleased with the support the hospital is receiving in the campaign for the city sales tax,” said CEO Kenny Downs. “The expression of support from our city leadership, business community, and everyday citizens, has been outstanding. That support is crucial to our mission of providing compassionate, caring, medical services at the hometown level. I would like to encourage all eligible voters to go to the polls and exercise their right to vote on September 10th. CMH has been a staple of this community for decades and hopefully, with the support of the citizens, will continue to play a vital role in the economic and medical health of the community for many more. If anyone has any questions about the hospital or the sales tax issue please call or come by the hospital and I or one of the staff would be glad to answer questions or simply show them our facilities.”
Cordell Memorial Hospital has been struggling with financial pressures for several years now, with the current administration working to reverse the trends and bring the hospital back onto firm financial ground. In addition to the proposed sales tax, which would add an estimated $250,000 to the hospital’s coffers, hospital staff and management are working on other measures to cut costs and increase the hospital’s revenue stream. Downs told the Cordell City Council earlier this year the hospital could be in real danger of closing “sooner rather than later” if they couldn’t obtain financial assistance.
The special election will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2019. The voter registration deadline for the special election is Aug. 16, 2019.
bob henline can be reached at