MADISON COUNTY CITIZENS,

As most of you are aware, we are at the brink of probably one of the most important elections that our County will have faced in a number of years. An election that will have long-term consequences, regardless of the outcome. The voters of Madison County will have the opportunity, in the upcoming November 2, 2021, election, to decide whether or not to form a hospital district with taxing authority and build a new hospital. You will be voting on a t ax levy not to exceed .25 cents per $100 on your property taxes. The last time this was attempted was over ten years ago. Much has changed in our County since that time, both in the condition of our current hospital and our population numbers.

With any issue there are two sides. What I have attempted to do is to point out some of the issues on both sides of this ballot initiative .

CHI St. Joseph Health Madison Hospital - Madisonville, TX is at the end of its useful life.The facility has such structure issues that it is virtually impossible to rehabilitate. It certainly will not be able to serve this county much longer. The cost to maintain this hospital in its current condition is not economically viable. At least ten thousand square feet of the current hospital is unusable. In its current condition, the hospital does not meet the current needs of the community.

As you well know, our population is at a steady growth and that growth will only continue to accelerate. A new hospital will not only satisfy the current needs of our community, it will also satisfy future needs.

The hospital district will be governed by a board of directors. The initial board will be appointed by the Madison County Commissioners Court and serve in a temporary position. A permanent board will be elected by the voters of Madison County in May of 2022. The board’s authority will consist of all aspects of the hospital from site selection, overseeing the construction and operation of the hospital.

An increase in property taxes.

Property taxes could increase every year.

The current plan appears to offer no new services. In most cases the patient would still be transported to CHI St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital - Bryan, TX.

The current plan exempts the use of sales tax to help offset the property tax.

It is not my intention, as County Judge, to influence your decision on this matter. How you vote should be your decision and your decision only based upon the facts, as you see them. There are many additional issues in relation to this project. There will be a town hall meeting Tuesday, October 19th and Monday October 25th at the Kimbro Center from 6-8 p.m. I would encourage you, please, to take the time to become informed and go to the polls on November 2, 2021 and cast your vote.

Respectfully,

Tony Leago

Madison County Judge