Wow! That’s a lot of misinformation in one comment! The loan had been under discussion for more than 2 months, this was the third discussion by the Council on this issue. Council member Sayre and Mayor Sigala were diligent in getting the information they needed to make their decision and asked questions in previous meetings. Finance director, Darlene Thompson, said specifically where the money was coming from. The loan is backed by $14 million in property, and is structured so payments will be made from AH lease payments. Council member Jones abdicated his responsibility to attend meetings and vote and put in writing it was so he could deny the rest of the council their vote. Can’t help but wonder who is behind the misinformation campaign on this issue and why?

The decision to make this loan had limited due diligence. Very few questions were asked by the two members that voted, interim City Manager was trying to express concern and caution. This would have been the perfect time to ask where exactly is the $9 million coming out of the city – General Fund? No figures were presented to show the hospital can pay this back, it is highly unlikely they can meet these terms. Just look at the Adventist lease, less than $5 million coming to the District until 2023, property tax money will be tied up with the bond holders for at least the same period of time if not longer. The $6 million for the sale of equipment that has been touted by Mr. Avila is now only $4.75 million. It is very simple math to see that it doesn’t add up when they have bankruptcy to get out of and a lot of debt that must be paid after filing bankruptcy.

Because Jones has not been well liked he becomes the focus of this decision instead of the loan itself. Tsk, tsk…..

When will our elected officials actually do due diligence in such momentous decisions instead of jumping on whatever is the popular movement. Hasn’t our past history shown us that ideology isn’t working out well for Tulare.

MindBlown: Clarification, the citizens did not support the last bond measure when the hospital was still being held hostage by Benzeevi and his board of merry morons. As for the line of credit approved this week, only time will tell. Maybe the City will be made whole and earn close to $1 million in interest, maybe Carlton will be proven right. But hey, on the positive side, this is a way for the city to recoup the money Carlton cost them with the Chief Hensley fiasco.