The Haleyville City Hall was filled to capacity Monday night with doctors, concerned citizens, and the CEO and employees of Lakeland Community Hospital and many concerned citizens as a result of the announced closing of Lakeland. Before the regular council session, Mayor Sunseri asked for comments from the packed room. Several spoke expressing their grief, sorrow, and apprehension over the closure. All had nothing but praise for the hospital. One testimony came from the very first patient at the ER in 1969, Gary Mize. Terry Fannin talked about being a patient this year and the great service provided by the nurses and staff at Lakeland.

The question on everyone’s mind was how do we keep the hospital open. One suggestion by Dr. Jerry Harrison was to do what Red Bay did. A critical access hospital, one which would retain the ER and have a limited bed hospital.

Following the public hearing, the council approved the October bills and purchase orders in the amount of $421,831.02. Approval was made to purchase two pool pumps to include installation for $1,100. With the discovery there was a better surface material than previously thought for the playground area at the new sports complex, the council voted to reject all bids based on the old material.

The next Haleyville City Council meeting will be Monday, December 4.