LAFCO Votes 4-1 to Dissolve Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District Amid Controversy
EL CENTRO—In a contentious 4-1 decision, the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) voted to dissolve the Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District (PMHD) during a meeting at the El Centro City Council Chamber on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. The move, seen as a pivotal step in the effort to unify Pioneers Memorial Hospital and El Centro Regional Medical Center under Assembly Bill 918, drew a strong response from Brawley residents opposed to the consolidation effort led by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia.
Alternate Commissioner John Hawk attempted to delay the vote until a judge ruled on current litigation regarding the merger, a suggestion that resonated with the audience. The call to delay was met with applause, signaling the dissatisfaction of local constituents. However, Commissioner Javier Moreno’s request for other commissioners to support Hawk’s motion was met with silence, and no second was offered.
Vice Chair Jesus Escobar then moved to approve the dissolution of PMHD as outlined in AB 918, specifying that the dissolution would take effect immediately, on October 24 at approximately 10:15 a.m. The motion passed with support from Moreno, Amparano, and Salgado, while Hawk was the only commissioner to vote against it.
Eduardo Garcia Defends AB 918
In an exclusive interview with 760 News in August 2024, Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia emphasized the importance of Assembly Bill 918, framing it as a long-overdue solution to a regional healthcare challenge. “The importance of AB 918 is to ensure that there’s one healthcare system and one healthcare district that will help coordinate the hospital services of the region, and to help make sure that there are multi-millions of dollars saved as a result,” Garcia stated. He noted that the idea to unify the healthcare system was conceived 20 years ago but only gained traction due to the recent crisis of one hospital facing closure. “Leaders from Imperial County came to me to work on this issue, and we worked for a year to find a way to bring things together, and we came up with AB 918,” he added.
Addressing the protests and petition efforts against the dissolution, Garcia expressed confidence in the process. “AB 918 is the law, and the law has been implemented. All of the people involved have done exactly what the law said needs to happen. I don’t believe there will be any changes as it pertains to the implementation,” he remarked. He acknowledged the community’s concerns, saying, “I appreciate the effort of certain individuals in the community who want to voice their concerns, and if it’s signing a petition, then so be it. But I believe that AB 918 will be implemented to its final stage, and we will have one healthcare district improving the healthcare of the Imperial Valley.”
Concerns Voiced During Public Comment
The public comment section saw impassioned pleas from Brawley residents, including Chris Bornberg, CEO of Pioneers Memorial Hospital and IVHD. “If you move forward with the dissolution, the hospital does not close,” Bornberg assured, explaining that operations would continue seamlessly, though the leadership structure would change with a new board. “Nothing changes for the hospital; it still remains operational,” he stated.
However, not all shared Bornberg’s optimism. Christine Gracmeyer, another Brawley resident, argued that the dissolution could jeopardize contracts essential to the hospital’s financial stability. “If PMHD is dissolved, we could lose contracts crucial for billing and reimbursement, potentially costing millions,” Gracmeyer said. She emphasized that despite being $240 million in debt, Pioneers Memorial has maintained profitability, reporting over $42 million in profits in the first three months of the year.
Update on Dissolution Proceedings
As of October 24, 2024, PMHD will have the opportunity to present its original claim against Assembly Bill 918 during a hearing on November 4th. According to Judge Jones, a draft of the claim is already prepared. On November 8th, the Attorney General will have the opportunity to file another demurrer against PMHD’s claim. The final decision regarding PMHD’s fate is set for December 12th, when it will be determined whether the district remains intact or is officially dissolved.
Developing Story
This story is still developing, with more details expected to emerge as reactions and potential legal challenges unfold. Stay tuned for further updates.
The update provides a clear timeline for the upcoming legal proceedings and keeps the article focused on the evolving situation.