Needing to make a formal appointment to the joint city-county committee working on funding the Hiawatha Hospital, much of Monday’s Hiawatha City Commission meeting was spent discussing the correct way for the commission to handle the meetings. Mayor Collins, who was eventually officially appointed to the committee, was adamant that the committee move quickly but carefully to find a suitable solution. Commissioner Becky Shamburg expressed her interest and desire to observe the meetings and said she believed it would be wise for all commissioners to attend to stay abreast of the situation. Appointing another commissioner was discussed, but it was decided that waiting until all commissioners were present would be more appropriate. Later in the meeting, Administrator Nichols addressed the first joint-commission meeting on hospital funding, and said that it was productive, but some questions remain about exactly how much is needed. Nichols said the group seemed to be leaning toward a sales tax-based solution, but as the county is involved, the recent events at Horton Community Hospital would need to be considered as they move forward.
(Read more: Hiawatha World Online)