In 2010, with county human services being cut by 12% and 13%, and with public health initiatives like the Drug and Alcohol Commission facing chronic shortages, there stands a pressing need in Lancaster County for additional resources toward direct social and public health services. At the Lancaster County Hospital Authority’s annual meeting, NewsLanc asked the board if they plan to extend financing this year for new hospital facilities in light of the immediate need for actual service funding.

Chairman Dr. Randolph Trostle responded, “As I undertand our responsibility, that notion is not part of our duty….We don’t check our common sense at that door, I guess, but we don’t normally look at whether there is [feasibility].”

The Hospital Authority serves as a conduit for tax-exempt financing for eligible hospital and retirement home projects in Lancaster County. Requests are passed through the Authority for approval by the county commissioners. Before being brought to the commissioners, however, each project is presented in a publicly-advertised hearing.

“The purpose and intent of the [Hospital Authority act] is to benefit the people of the commonwealth by, among other things, increasing commerce, health, safety, and prosperity,” Trostle said, “So, one could argue, a new facility is doing all of that….The municipality that organizes us would be the commissioners.”

According to solicitor James Noel, the Authority budgeted to finance three projects last year, but only ended up with one: A $19,650,000 bond issued to Landis Homes Retirement Community for a facility expansion and capital improvements. This lack of projects, attributed to the sluggish economy, will likely continue into 2010, Noel said. While the Authority this year has budgeted for only two projects, they have not yet recieved any solid proposals.