(KNZA)--An advisory committee voted Thursday to recommend that the Sabetha Community Hospital not receive a portion of the proceeds from a proposed sales tax for health care services in Brown County.

That followed a lengthy discussion and presentation from Sabetha Community Hospital CEO Lori Key.

The Brown County Commission asked the Joint City/County Hospital Advisory Committee to meet to make a recommendation after Sabetha hospital officials approached the Commission Monday with the request.

Committee members felt the proceeds from the proposed 10-year half-cent countywide retailers sales tax should go toward facilities maintained in Brown County, noting the Sabetha hospital is located in Nemaha County and already receives tax support.

The committee also voted to recommend that, if the sales tax is approved during a special election May 21, 80 percent of the proceeds over the 10-year period go to the Hiawatha hospital and 20 percent to the city of Horton for health care services in their community.

Hiawatha Hospital interim CEO John Broberg said he felt it was a good compromise, while Horton City Administrator John Calhoon said he felt it would help both communities.

The sales tax is estimated to generate around $700,000 annually.

The committee also voted to recommend an amendment to the sales tax resolution approved by the county commission March 11, which would allow another entity other than the Hiawatha Community Hospital to receive proceeds for providing health care services in Horton. 

County Attorney Kevin Hill said with so much unknown now about the Horton facilities, the broader wording of the resolution would be more fitting and provide revenue for the future of healthcare in southern Brown County.

The committee recommendations will now go to the Brown County Commission for consideration when they meet Friday morning, March 29.