Memorial commission to bring in experts

Searching for some expert assistance as it weighs what to do with Memorial Health System, the Citizens Commission on Ownership and Governance of Memorial Health System plans to hear presentations from two consultants during its May 4 meeting.

Sounds simple enough, but deciding to invite the consultants consumed much of Tuesday’s commission meeting and produced some sharp discussion about how public the commission needs to be in hiring an expert. Co-vice chairman Bob Lally argued that it was vital to make a decision quickly to help the commission evaluate criteria on what selling, keeping or transferring the hospital system would mean to the city.

“It’s probably one of the most important decisions we’re going to make,” he said.

Commission member Dave Munger said he believed it was more important to slow things down and make a selection after one or more public meetings.

After initially agreeing to bring a single finalist to the May 4 meeting and then vote on whether to hire that firm, the commission reversed course and decided to bring two finalists in and hear from both before deciding.

The consultant’s fees, which have not been disclosed, will be paid for by Memorial Health System, as are all of the commission's expenses.

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