Council hears proposal to expand regional health‑care assessment; staff to return with funding option

City staff briefed the Enterprise City Council on Oct. 21, 2025, about a proposed Phase 2 of a regional health‑care assessment by consulting firm PYA. The study would build on a Phase 1 assessment and examine financial projections, facility needs, market readiness and the potential scope for additional clinical services.

What was proposed Staff described Phase 2 as a two‑part workstream examining financial projections and advising on physical‑plant infrastructure and clinical service opportunities such as freestanding emergency care, additional diagnostics and specialty services. The presentation said Phase 2 would produce sufficient information to focus further decision‑making and that a subsequent Phase 3 would be required to drill into any selected facility or service plan.

Cost and funding notes from the meeting Staff said approximately $40,000 remained from previously earmarked funds (Phase 1 funding). The proposal presented estimated Phase 2 at roughly $99,000 for both parts together; staff described a cost‑sharing arrangement with the local Health Care Authority and said the authority had agreed in principle to split costs but that an additional city contribution would likely be needed. In the work session Jonathan and Wes Averitt (health care authority representative) discussed asking the health care authority to provide about $44,000 and for the city to fund remaining costs; the transcript contains several overlapping figures as staff discussed draft numbers.

Council response and next steps Council members expressed support for continuing the data‑driven study, noting the council does not have health‑care technical expertise and that decisions should be guided by professional analysis. The council asked staff to bring a draft resolution and cost‑sharing plan back for formal consideration so the city can decide whether and how to fund Phase 2 out of remaining earmarked funds or the budget.

What the transcript does not show No formal funding motion or vote occurred at the Oct. 21 meeting. Staff said they would send a draft resolution and funding plan to the council for consideration at a future meeting.

Ending Staff will return with a draft resolution and an explicit funding recommendation for council action; council members indicated they were generally supportive of continuing the multi‑phase study to inform any future investments in local health facilities or services.