When the proposal to transfer $250,000 in funds from the Hamilton County Health Department to hybrid-funded Clínica Médicos was discussed during the Hamilton County Commission meeting last week, it drew a few minor questions but mostly only praise for the work the clinic does.
From commissioners’ comments, we expected the resolution would pass this week but suggested commissioners should look warily at such future end-of-year requests.
When the vote was taken on Wednesday, commissioners not only turned down the resolution 7-4, but the three who praised the clinic most highly the week before voted against it.
The vote also was interesting because it divided commissioners by party and by those who represent underserved communities.
Republicans Joe Graham and Mike Chauncey, both of whom have constituencies that use the clinic, voted for transferring the money, along with Gene-o Shipley. Democrat Greg Beck also backed the resolution. Opposing it were Democrats David Sharpe and Warren Mackey, both of whom consider themselves champions of the underserved, along with Republicans Chip Baker, Ken Smith, Lee Helton, Steve Highlander and Jeff Eversole.