ARH Purchase of Hospital Would Cause Williamson to Make Cuts

Williamson Mayor Darrin McCormick says the city would be required to make cuts to its police and emergency services departments if the planned purchase of a hospital is completed.

McCormick says the for-profit Williamson Memorial Hospital generates business and occupation taxes for the city. He says if Appalachian Regional Healthcare completes its purchase of Williamson Memorial, the nonprofit ARH wouldn't pay those taxes. McCormick says business and occupation taxes make up 36 percent of the city's revenue.

Last month ARH announced it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire the 76-bed acute care hospital from a subsidiary of Health Management Associates. The acquisition is expected to be completed in February.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare serves 350,000 residents in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia