Proposed Fulton Budget Cuts Grady Funding, Some County Sevices
Fulton County could cut the amount it contributes to Grady Memorial Hospital in half next year. A proposed budget given to Fulton Commissioners Wednesday would reduce what Grady receives by $25 million dollars.
The cuts to Grady are nearly half of the more than $56 million dollars in proposed cuts to the entire county budget. But the plan is already meeting some opposition. Commissioner Robb Pitts had this message for the county budget commission, which includes the county manager, the county finance director and Fulton commission chairman John Eaves.
“To propose cutting our contribution to Grady in half from $50 million to $25 million is asinine. It makes no sense whatsoever. It would be devastating to Grady and to the people we serve.”
Commissioners were told if the cuts are approved, Grady will stop providing care for county prisoners. County officials also said the hospital would stop treating non-emergency patients in its emergency room and those receiving treatment through Grady’s outpatient mental health services would be redirected to county clinics. WABE contacted Grady but was told no spokesperson was available.
Chairman Eaves was noticeably absent from the meeting. But here’s what Eaves said in May when WABE’s Denis O’Hayer asked him about potential cuts to Grady.
“Whether you use Grady Hospital or not it supports the healthcare delivery system, but it is a discretionary expense and it is not off the table in terms of getting cuts into next year’s budget.
The proposed budget cuts also include: 21 furlough days for employees in the County District attorney’s office, the closing of the Springdale Place, a shelter for women and children. It would also reduce library hours and shut some library locations up to two days a week.
County budget officials say the reductions are needed partially due to changes in the county’s homestead exemption. Fulton is also operating under a property tax freeze until 2015 due to legislation passed by the state legislature.
Commissioners are expected to approve a tentative budget next month. The final budget is expected to be voted on in January.
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