The Pell City Council unanimously approved a non-binding resolution Monday evening, fully supporting the construction of a new hospital.

“I want to make it clear this is a non-binding agreement. The hospital, the county, the healthcare authority, all need to come together with us before this would be binding,” Mayor William “Bill” Hereford said. If that happens the city will commit to spending up to $150,000 per year for 20 years, or one-half of the hospital’s annual deficiency, whichever is less. The money will be used to cover shortfalls in the operation of the hospital and to acquire a one-half interest in the ownership of the existing hospital along Dr. John Haynes Drive. The St. Clair County Commission will also own half of the old hospital.

Water and sewer infrastructure work will also be provided by the city as the council determines.

“I want to emphasize what we’re doing by this resolution is, in my mind and my words, is stepping up” Hereford said. “Pell City is stepping up to do all we can to encourage construction of the hospital and the VA nursing home as soon as possible.”

Councilman James McGowan said, “This has dragged on for so long. It’s time to move on.”

Hereford reiterated how crucial the new hospital was with its ability to create 300 new jobs and $80 million in construction with the new Veterans Administration Nursing Home.

“There are already people inquiring about retail. I talked to a couple developers who are satisfied that this is going to trigger a lot of good things for us,” Hereford acknowledged. The council will vote on the agreement once again when everything is officially in place.

Hereford said officials predict the hospital could operate with an annual $200,000 deficit for the first 20 years. Hereford and the council want to make sure they are doing what they can.

Hereford stated, “I just don’t want somebody to look around and say, ‘where’s Pell City?’ If anybody’s got any problems with somebody, it’s not us.”

Also approved Monday evening was a resolution that said the city would pay 20 percent of the cost to build a road from Hazelwood Drive near 231 to Wolf Creek Road North. Councilman Greg Gossett said he didn’t think that road and area could take the increased traffic. Hereford said with the growth he anticipated having to address the Wolf Creek Road area in the future. “Sooner or later there’s going to be a whole lot more traffic over there. This is just one step in an on-going development of that area, because I anticipate apartments over there and possible even some retail. It wouldn’t shock me at all.”

The new road will cost the city $111,000 but Hereford said the county commission would help with the city’s portion. The road will cut through property currently owned by the St. Clair County Economic Development Council and will allow additional access to the new hospital, nursing home and Jefferson State Community College.