DELIVER TO: Postal Patron Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Prsrt. Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Mechanicsville, VA Permit No.141
Vol. 32, No. 42 | Richmond Suburban News | February 24, 2016
STOPS AT EVERY HOME IN TOWN
Budget proposal focuses MRMC’s new CEO’s on public safety needs goal ‘keeping you healthy’ By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER – The Hanover County Board of Supervisors got its first peek at the proposed
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
County administrator Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr. presented his proposed 2017 budget and fiveyear financial plan at last week’s meeting of the Hanover County Board of Supervisors.
2017 budget last Wednesday. Cecil R. “Rhu” Harris Jr., county administra-
tor, presented a $427.7 million plan that includes funding for additional public safety positions, including five sheriff ’s office employees and an equal number of Fire/EMS positions. The additional full-time Fire/EMS positions allow the county to provide additional staffing at Black Creek and Rockville, stations experiencing staffing shortages due to a lack of volunteers. Harris’ budget also includes a 2% raise for county employees and provides $41.5 million over the next five years to meet the longterm capital needs for Hanover County Public Schools. “We’re glad to be able to fund a 2% raise. We wish our state partners had participated at the school level by making that a priority. The governor’s budget does not include any money for pay raises for education so the full 2% has fallen to the county — all local funds.” Harris also presented a five-year General Fund Financial Plan, an outlook that does not project tax increases to Hanover County citizens. Addressing the level real estate tax for this year’s proposal, Harris said, “I don’t think it’s necessary to meet the needs of this budget.” Hanover’s real estate tax remains at 81 cents
By Melody Kinser Managing Editor
M
ECHANICSVILLE – When Mark M. Gordon arrived at Memorial Regional Medical Center he brought with him what some may consider an unusual goal for a health care leader. He is focused on keeping people healthy. In addition to MRMC, Gordon is responsible for the operations of two other Bon Secours hospitals, Richmond Community Hospital and Rappahannock General Hospital. He moved into the position on Oct. 1, replacing longtime administrator Michael Robinson, who retired Oct. 31. A native of
Pinehurst, North Carolina, Gordon said, “Memorial is a fantastic facility. The conversation and the focus for Memorial Regional Medical Center are going to be on population, health and wellness. And, by that, I mean, as you have probably heard in political campaigns in state politics — Social Security, Medicare — the conversation sounds like a lot of people who are in that Baby Boomer generation are interested in understanding where we have opportunities for people to be well.” “We are glad to be a fantastic facility that has terrific outcome. We are interested in making sure that we can take care of you,” the new CEO added. What he will be encouraging in terms of wellness is that potential patients see GOAL, pg. 19
see SAFETY, pg. 7
.com Satisfy ALL of your vehicle needs. Hassle FREE at one location! 746-3230
265681-01
Bumper-to-Bumper Auto Care