Odessa Regional eye's $10 M renovation project
Aug. 16—Odessa Regional Hospital is seeking Odessa City Council's help acquiring state funds that will help the hospital proceed with a $10 million capital improvement project to expand its facilities and services.
During their Tuesday work session, council will consider a request to authorize the nomination of Odessa Regional Hospital as a Texas State Enterprise Zone — a designation that would allow the hospital to apply for state funds for their capital expenditure project.
Proposed improvements over the next five years include spending $7.5 million for building expansion renovation projects dedicated to women and maternity care, a letter sent to the city by William Stokes, Steward Health Care's senior vice president of tax, detailed.
The expansion, which would be completed over the next five years, would include a $3.5 million renovation to the west campus, $3.5 expansion to the Coronary Care Unit, and a $500,000 remodel of the lab. About $2.5 million would be spent on purchasing new equipment and furnishings for the new building — this includes $1 million to replace beds, $500,000 to purchase a DaVinci robot, $200,000 for new anesthesia machines and $800,000 on other equipment.
Council on Tuesday will also review and consider approval of several budget proposals, including $1,182,078 for general operations of the Emergency Communication District of Ector County, according to an agenda item submitted by the city's police department.
The Emergency Communication District of Ector County provides 911 telephone and dispatch services cities of Odessa and Goldsmith and Ector County, which receive these services. Odessa, Goldsmith and the county must all approve the proposed budget.
Estimated revenue for 2021-22 is $1,183,000; estimated expenditures $1,182,078 which will result in a surplus of $922, according to a report by the Emergency District of Ector County Board.
That surplus revenue will be placed in a pot that will pay for major improvements slated for the 911 system in 2022-23. The improvements are expected to cost between $1 to $2 million.
According to the work session agenda, council will consider approval of the Odessa Development Corporation Budget for 2021-22. The ODC's projected total revenues is $7,904,068; projected expenditures $1,547,729.
A public hearing for the city's 2021-22 operating budget is also on the agenda. Council is being asked to approve a $239,327,076 budget, which will include giving all city staff a 4 percent cost-of-living pay increase for 2021-22.
City Manager Michael Marrero noted that due to COVID-19 and financial unpredictably the pandemic posed, no raises were given in 2020. Normally, employees receive an annual 3 percent raise.
Council is scheduled to discuss and consider approving the formation of a joint task force committee to address redistricting issues following the 2020 U.S. Census, according to the council's work session agenda.
The joint committee would include representatives from the city, Ector County Independent School District, Ector County Hospital District, Odessa Junior College District and Ector County.
According to the work session agenda, council will consider awarding a $2,351,000 bid to Cooper Construction for the rehabilitation of the city-owned building at 307 N. Lee Street. The building will house Community Development, Code Enforcement and the Fire Marshal's Office.
The rehab, which includes a roof replacement and the purchase of office furnishings, will be paid for from 2019 Certificates of Obligation funds.
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