The meeting room for the Washington County Commission on Wednesday was packed with community members in attendance to celebrate the Amended Substitute House Bill 96. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

MARIETTA — The Ohio General Assembly authorized county board commissioners to implement a local tax on hospitals which was approved by the Washington County Commissioners at Wednesday’s meeting.

Through the Amended Substitute House Bill 96, commissioners have the authority to impose a tax assessment on hospitals to fund the Rural Ohio Hospital Tax Pilot Program. The tax imposed at a rate of 2.5414949% will generate revenue to provide non-federal Medicaid through the Pilot Program.

“It’s important to understand that Washington County Memorial Health Systems was not included in the initial version of this pilot program,” Director of Jobs and Family Services Flite Freimann said. “(State) Senator (Brian) Chavez single-handedly inserted Washington County into the omnibus bill and the floor amendment that (State) Senator (jAY) Hottinger referred to was introduced by United States Senator John Husted.”

Freimann said that process came down to the last minute and everything fell into place over the past two weeks. The vote passed in a 51-50 vote.

The commissioners wanted to personally thank Husted, U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno and Chavez for making that final push to represent Washington County.

“It’s been one hell of a collaboration and we really did it,” said Commissioner Eddie Place.

Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Coil responded, “In a very short period of time, too.”

The meeting room was a flurry of excitement and President and CEO of Memorial Health System Scott Cantley was present to celebrate the achievement.

“We’ve had an incredible group of people all pulling for something that’s really good for this community,” said Cantley. “I think we are changing the future of health care in this community for decades to come with the work that you’re doing today and the foundation that you’re laying.”

The community gathered to celebrate not only the passing of Amended Substitute House Bill 96, but the hard work put in by representatives and government entities who fought to include Washington County in that bill.

In a statement made by Commissioner Charlie Schilling, “I want to express sincere gratitude for the ones who have put so much into this effort…this tax that’s been passed along today from Washington County truly has the ability to be transformational for Marietta Memorial Hospital.”

The approval of this resolution costs no county general revenue and funds collected from the hospitals goes to the state for Medicaid reimbursement. The resolution is effective as of July 2.

The commissioners also approved the resolution for the levy replacement tax outside of the ten-mill limitation for the Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

“The Washington County Board of Developmental Disabilities plays a unique and vital role in our community,” said Tiffany Neill who is the board superintendent. “We are not just another public agency, we are a local, lifelong support system for over 700 individuals with developmental disabilities.”

The tax replacement levy will provide additional financing for the continuing operations and maintenance of the board. The rate will not exceed 3.6-mills for each $1 of taxable value. The replacement levy will be on the ballot for November 4.

Independence Day celebrations will take place with a parade starting at 10 a.m. on Fourth Street. Following the parade will be a free picnic at Gold Star Park on Lancaster Street.

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.