Approximately 70 people signed into the meetings, with 14 requesting a chance to speak during the hearing.

This has been publicly contested with several letters to the editor of the DFJ.

The Daily Freeman Journal was in attendance, but due to press deadlines, had to leave before all the speakers had made their points.

Chief Executive Officer, Lisa Ridge opened the informational meeting, welcoming the large number, and gave a brief history of the hospital.

Ridge explained that they have been closely reviewing all past, present and future finances and needs.

Ridge noted that the 2.1 tax levy, is not an increase

Ashley Allers, the Chief Financial Officer, took over the presentation about the hospital finances. The hospital takes $4.2 million to operate per month.

Ridge closed out her comments before the public hearing with a word of caution.

“If you don’t have a hospital in a community, you don’t have a community,” she said.

Those who did not register to speak and other attendees who had questions were encouraged to email Ridge directly, after the hearing was completed.

No questions were to be taken during the public hearing.