OCILLA, Ga. (WALB) — Irwin County Hospital and Ocilla city leaders failed to reach a payment agreement over the hospital’s roughly $48,000 utility debt Monday (Oct. 5), leaving questions about how the financially strained hospital will settle its outstanding balance.

The tense meeting ended abruptly Monday morning after city officials accused the hospital’s CEO of being disrespectful during the discussion.

Hospital officials told the city they could not make a payment Monday and raised concerns that fluctuations in the hospital’s water meter could be contributing to inaccurate bills.

Irwin County Hospital questions meter accuracy

Hospital CEO Mary Damian said the hospital intends to pay, but needs clarity on the billing first.

“We never said we are not going to pay the bill,” Damian said. “Let’s explain the meter fluctuation. And then let’s move into the payment arrangement.”

Damian said the hospital has hired its own engineer to check for leaks on hospital property and asked the city to check the meter on its side.

She also questioned the city’s approach to the hospital.

“This is your hospital. This is your community,” the CEO said to the mayor. “So why are you attacking it?”

City officials ended Monday’s meeting

Mayor Melvin Harper said he was disappointed in how the meeting went.

“The meeting this morning did not fulfill its said purpose,” Harper said. “The purpose to my understanding was that the Irwin County Hospital would come to discuss finances and at least make a payment down on their delinquent bill.”

Harper said the city has qualified staff to review the meter if requested.

“We have qualified and competent staff here through our utility department to conduct any type of audit,” Harper said. “And would be willing and glad to do so.”

No payment plan reached, nearly $50k still owed

City billing records previously provided to WALB showed hospital-related accounts totaled $47,498.11 as of Sept. 16. The balance includes water, natural gas, and sanitation services.

Mayor Harper delayed a potential suspension of utility services to allow hospital leaders to meet with the city and discuss a possible resolution.

No payment plan was established Monday and leaders from both parties remain unclear when they will meet again or whether the city will move forward with suspending utility services.

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