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Lawsuit filed to save Cooper Green Hospital

County commissioners have received word of another lawsuit against the county concerning Cooper Green Mercy Hospital.

By Linda White
Published: July 09, 2009

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County commissioners have received word of another lawsuit against the county concerning Cooper Green Mercy Hospital.

The 300-bed hospital currently has just 84 patients. But, a big part of its business is outpatient care, and currently there are long lines for treatment.

Part of the lawsuits claim against Jefferson County is that funds meant for Cooper Green were illegally used elsewhere. Commissioners tell NBC13 that scenario is impossible.

Jefferson Co. Commissioner Sheila Smoot said, "They think Jefferson County is a cash cow ... according to the county attorney who I spoke to yesterday, that did not happen and cannot happen."

From one commissioner to the next...

Jefferson County Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins said, "I think it's another ridiculous effort to avoid reality."

Heads were shaking in disbelief at yet another lawsuit filed against the county, forcing commissioners to do what they say they don't have the money to do: save jobs.

Collins said, "I'm really not going to get into defense of this lawsuit, which I really have not read."

Collins is determined to let county attorneys handle this lawsuit and the many others. Her main priority is reinstating the occupational tax, which is caught between the state Supreme and Circuit courts, and helping the hundreds of employees who will get pink slips next week.

Collins said, "Let me stress to you one more time, nothing except an order from the Supreme Court will help us with what we're going to be doing Tuesday and the future cause we're out of cash."

Collins said the county is collecting about $8 million a month. It's not enough to do business. Without the occupational tax, and the steep cuts, an additional 1,200 employees could also face pink slips.