JeffCo Commission may call for financial investigation of Cooper Green | News

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Next week Jefferson County Commissioners will vote to call for an investigation into the finances of Cooper Green Mercy Hospital.

Supporters contend the hospital has been denied $500 million over five years. Those who depend on the hospital for the poor hope it can be saved.

"It is very important to me and my family because we are low income. We need the hospital to stay open," Denise Scott said.

The hospital has been under fire for not being able to balance its books on the more than $40 million it gets from the indigent healthcare fund which is generated from the sales in Jefferson County.

"The hospital is not cash flow positive. The county for the last five years, which is as far back as I can go, has been receiving an additional $10 million in funding," David Carrington, Jefferson County Commission President, said.

But others disagree.

"I'm telling them they have stolen money from the poor people of this county," Rep. John Rogers said.

Rogers has blasted county commissioners for trying to shut down the hospital for the poor and for not being able to get a handle on county finances.

Friday on "Good Day Alabama" Carrington announced he would join others in the call for an investigation for the allegations money has been misappropriated and kept from the hospital.

"If you truly have evidence something has been stolen I surely want it to see the light of day because I don't want to serve with any commissioner stealing money," Carrington said.

Rogers says there is no need for an investigation by a law enforcement agency until the county gets more information about the funding for the hospital.

"I'm saying to the county commission let's find out where the money is and what happened to the money before you go to the DA," Rogers said.

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