A bill passed by the Georgia House on March 22, and later by the Senate, grants Catoosa County an additional member on Hutcheson Medical Center’s hospital authority board. This would give Catoosa four members, the same as Walker County.

But, as part of the bill, Dade County is left with a difficult decision: to either pledge financial support and keep its two board members, or drop to one member.

Dade County has until July 1 to enter an intergovernmental contract with the hospital authority — along with Walker and Catoosa governments — to pledge 20 percent. The remaining 80 percent of financial backing has already been supported in agreements between Walker and Catoosa counties. Either way Dade chooses to go, Catoosa will still see its representation rise by one. But with Dade’s pledge of support, the risk and obligation carried by the other two counties will decrease, according to Catoosa County commission attorney Chad Young.

Dade County commissioners will discuss their options at the upcoming commission meeting May 2. Dade commission chairman Ted Rumley said the county is currently faced with helping one of the largest businesses and employers with a bond for an expansion project. If Dade County assists in the bond for Hutcheson hospital, it would affect the interest rates for any additional bonding opportunities, he said.

“We are going to do what we feel is right for Dade County citizens,” Rumley said. “We passed a resolution to keep our two members on the board but obviously the legislature thought differently. The hospital is needing money very quickly.”