Board now has until
Feb. 26 decide

By Misti Strader
Tribune-Courier News Editor
mstrader@tribunecourier.com

BENTON – In a special called session, the Marshall County Board of Health met on Monday night to decide whether or not to once again extend its land option on a five-acre piece of property located off of Old Symsonia Highway.

A 30-day option extension was offered to the board by land owner, Jan Frick, to prevent a loss of more than $20,000 in funds invested.

Board members discussed various issues associated with the property, including a report issued by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) confirming a portion of the property contains a “wetland” area, and confirmation of a “blueline ditch” on the property.

The board also discussed the issue of needing the state’s approval on the land purchase as well as its inability to utilize all five acres of the property.

Board Engineer Andy Williams was unable to attend the special-called meeting, but various board members reported speaking with him about the potential for future costs associated with the wetlands and blue-line affected areas.

Said Dr. H. W Ford, “Andy said he thought it could all be worked out, but said he just ‘couldn’t say’ on the specifics of the cost involved.”

Ford also said he thought the project was worth pursuing if the board could make some progress on finding out what exactly the ACOE would require to approve the board’s development plans.

“I think it is a good idea for the health department to be located near the hospital,” said Dr. Terri Telle, referring to the new Marshall County Hospital being built in the same area. “I think there is something to be said for a city that dedicates an area to health care.”

But she also voiced her concerns over the fact that the board would be relying on a timely response from the ACOE.

Board member Tina Fox echoed those same sentiments when she said that she felt the board could not “abandon” their land purchase. “If we do that, we’ve lost everything we’ve put into it. That is just short-sighted on our part.”

To that, Board Chairman Mike Miller asked the board to consider, “At what point do we stop putting money into it?”

Miller brought out options such as building on the health department’s other piece of property, the former location of the Piggly Wiggly on 12th Street, but some members voiced their concern over the property’s size and the feasibility of future expansion.

“We’re talking about building a $2.4 million building and parking lot on what amounts to less than a city block. That just doesn’t make good sense,” said board member Barbara Randall.

Also discussed was the possibility of looking for other pieces of property located near the hospital, but those options were tabled after Ford made the motion to purchase another month’s extension on the land.

The motion carried the stipulation that the board will appoint a committee to do a discovery with an engineering firm, disclosing an estimated amount of time and money needed to complete the land purchase.

“Another $1,000 is not enough to worry about at this point,” said Ford. “We need to get organized and in a month, we’ll know if this is going to be feasible.”

The board voted unanimously to extend its option, which is set to expire once again on Feb. 26.