GAINESVILLE - Hall County Commissioners plan to vote Thursday on a proposed county employee health clinic and pharmacy that Human Resources Director Bill Moats says could save the county just over $400,000 a year.<br />
<br />
Moats told commissioners Monday that drug costs and emergency room and urgent care costs are escalating and need to be contained.<br />
<br />
"It's going to save the employees money because it's going to reduce their health care costs, and it's going to save the county money because it's going to lower our overall health care costs," Moats said.<br />
<br />
Commissioner Jeff Stowe, whose district includes Gainesville, wants the city to share in the cost and operations; other commissioners favor a county start-up with the city joining in later. Stowe says he would like city employees included even though the city already has a health clinic.<br />
<br />
"I'd just like us to continue to negotiate to see if both parties can come to a mutual decision instead of moving ahead with a Hall County option," Stowe said.<br />
<br />
A possible location is the former East Hall Library in Rabbit Town.<br />
<br />
WELCOME BACK WHEN READY<br />
<br />
Hall County Administrator Randy Knighton says three fire fighters injured in a July 22nd training accident are welcome to come back to work when they are ready.<br />
<br />
Twenty-four year old Will Griffin remains under treatment at Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta; T.J. Elliott and Stephen Jackson were released after treatment at Grady Hospital.<br />
<br />
"Two of the firefighters appear to be recovering well and the third fire fighter is still receiving some medical attention but we hope he will be released soon," Knighton said.<br />
<br />
The men were hurt when the ladder on a ladder truck collapsed during a training exercise, dropping them more than 40 feet. Donations for them may be sent to the Hall County Injured Firefighters Fund at the Hall Co. Credit Union, P.O. Box 908237, Gainesville, GA 30501 or call 770-534-4255.<br />
<br />
MONEY FOR CHEROKEE BLUFFS<br />
<br />
Cherokee Bluffs Park, Hall County's newest public park, got its budget approved by consent and South Hall Commissioner Craig Lutz said it's about time. The $2.8-million spending proposal includes $1.7-million for infrastructure and $1.1-million for buildings.<br />
<br />
"They've seen a sign sitting out in front out in front of that park since the SPLOST before last and I think we're finally getting to the point where we're going to realize a fantastic park," Lutz said.<br />
<br />
Lutz expects a ground breaking within a month with construction beginning in the fall and completion next year off Black Jack Road.
