By Ryan Duey

The Marshall County commissioners voted unanimously to place a half-cent sales tax question on the November 5th general election ballot, following a request from Community Memorial Healthcare (CMH) representatives.

The tax, initially approved in November 2019 for five years, requires voter re-approval to continue. CMH CEO Curtis Hawkinson emphasized its necessity. Commissioners discussed improving transparency, suggesting the inclusion of a county commissioner on the CMH board or regular reporting by CMH.

CMH is a private, non-profit critical access hospital with 25 beds, providing various medical services and employing over 200 staff, which is governed by a 12-member board of directors from four districts. In 2023, the hospital saw significant patient activity and generated $1,224,233 from the sales tax. Language for the Ballot question will now be prepared.