Hamilton County Commission -- May 7, 2008
Hamilton County Commission -- budget hearing on Department of Education -- May 7, 2008
Hamilton County Commission -- budget hearing on Erlanger -- May 7, 2008

It’s a tough time for hospitals, and Erlanger may soon have to start cutting back, the hospital’s CEO told Hamilton County commissioners today.

In the third day of county budget hearings, Erlanger CEO Jim Brexler asked the commission for $500,000 more than the $3 million the hospital has received each of the last three years.

He said the extra funds would help keep the public hospital competitive with private businesses. He said he does not want the hospital to end up like Atlanta’s Grady Hospital, which almost closed last year due to financial problems and recently underwent administrative changes.

Mr. Brexler said Erlanger will pay around $10 million more this year for uncompensated care than it did last year.

Commissioners expressed support for the hospital but also said they do not want to burden Hamilton County taxpayers.

For full coverage, see tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press.