City Board approves resolution for sale by city of hospital interest to county

HOPE – The Hope City Board at its Tuesday night meeting adopted a resolution approving the sale of its interest of ownership in the local hospital facilities to Hempstead County. Attorney Sarah Giammo with Friday Eldredge & Clark explained the resolution regarding the transfer of the in preparation of a dedicated sales tax initiative set for June 9th. Giammo spoke via video link and said city and county officials met together with attorneys and they reached agreement that the best course of action would be for the county be the entity to propose a 0.75% countywide sales and use tax.

Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center, LLC currently operates the facility. The resolution states, “revenues of the Hospital are such that SWARMC may be unable to continue to provide health care services at the Hospital at the levels presently provided unless an additional source of revenue is made available to maintain, improve, renovate, expand, equip, and insure the Hospital and to assist in obtaining access to providers of health care services at the Hospital.”

As part of the discussion of the resolution by Directors and city officials is a major cost of a needed roof repair/replacement project, HVAC, as well as other maintenance and equipment needs.

The resolution contains a “revert” clause to the deed to the City’s interest, with a provision that the property will revert back to the City if the property ceases to be used as a hospital. The City Board gave unanimous approval to pass the resolution.

In other business, the Directors approved the amended 2025 budget to reflect actual costs.

A resolution for the Trauma Assistance Program was adopted. The City will enter into a formal agreement with the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) to participate in the Trauma Assistance Program (TAP). Participation ensures the City complies with Arkansas Act 398, which mandates providing up to 12 confidential counseling
sessions for first responders following qualifying traumatic events. TAP serves as a third-party administrator, managing intake and clinical referrals to ensure employee privacy while providing the City with de-identified billing and compliance support.

In November 2025, the Board accepted a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant for downtown sidewalk improvements along 3rd Street. Due to underground utility conflicts, budget constraints, and current staff capacity demands, city staff recommended declining the grant at this time and preserving the $114,000 local match for a future TAP application or the upcoming Street Aid
project on 6th Street. Staff will draft a letter to ARDOT respectfully declining further participation at this time. The Board approved.

The Board approved a change order to purchase and install an outdoor pool slide
at the Hope Aquatic and Recreation Center. The expected cost is roughly $225,000 and includes the slide, installation, footing, thickened concrete slab, piping and pump system. This change order is to be contingent upon adequate contingency funds (within the $700,000 allowance) to cover the full cost.

The Board approved the location of a restroom structure for Northside Park Splashpad.

Before the meeting, former Director and Mayor Steve Montgomery was recognized in a presentation honoring his years of service to the City of Hope.