The City of Indianola is willing to chip in $5,000 to help construct a new helicopter pad in Indianola, but the board wants all of the T’s crossed and I’s dotted before they cut the check.
During the city of Indianola’s board meeting on Monday, the board discussed aiding South Sunflower County Hospital with the construction project, which could cost between $25,000 and $30,000.
The pad would be constructed across from the hospital on land that will be leased from Community Bank, according to past proposals.
Ward 5 Alderman Sam Brock expressed to the board that he would prefer to have some sort of documentation about assisting with the pad.
Brock said, “For us to be legal about some things we are doing, I think we need something to be documented. We need something in writing, whether it is negotiable or what was agreed, instead of just jumping up and paying $5,000 towards something., I’m not disagreeing with it.”
Mayor Ken Featherstone agreed with what Brock stated.
Featherstone said, “I agree we need an interlocal agreement or some type of agreement of some sort.”
Featherstone asked Ward 4 Alderman Marvin Elder what was his opinion about the pad.
Elder said, “I believe the donation was going to go through the South Sunflower County Hospital. The attorney can still fix up an MOU in a donation, just like the county is doing.”
Featherstone asked if the board knew if there was a commitment from the county with purchasing the pad.
Featherstone said, “I haven’t gone over to the county to discuss this, but do we have a commitment from the county? And the hospital as well?”
Brock said, “Mr. Mayor, we haven’t had consensus in the board meeting. Now, let’s not put the wagon before the horse.”
Featherstone agreed with Brock.
Featherstone said, “Yes, I do think that we need some official commitment by the other stakeholders who are involved in this. I believe it is a great cause. It’s a great idea.”
Elder suggested to the board to allow the city’s attorney, Derek Hopson to get an update.
Brock said, “We need that.”
The board approved to table the item to allow Hopson to look into the matter further.
