Dexter council gives its approval to HAD 4/Northern Light plan

DEXTER — The Dexter Town Council unanimously gave its approval to the proposed merger of Mayo Regional Hospital with Northern Light Health system during an April 11 meeting.

As Mayo Regional Hospital officials and Hospital Administrative District 4 directors consider the potential merger with Northern Light Health, a statewide system of hospitals, the question remained whether the public would be able to weigh in via a vote in order to provide area legislators with insight as they work to draft legislation that would pave the way for the deal. Dexter is one of 13 communities in HAD 4, which oversees the hospital.

The Dexter council had planned to include a pair of questions concerning the proposed merger on the June 11 referendum ballot, but due to the timeline a decision is needed before the end of the month in order for the legislators to complete work on their bill.

“It’s a waste of time and responsibility putting it to a referendum,” Dexter Town Councilor Marcia Delaware said, given the time constraints. She said the council is authorized to make a decision for the town.

“I think it would behoove us to vote this [June 11 vote] down and vote the town is in favor of this merger,” she said. Delaware said at a public hearing held in Dexter a week and a half ago that she did not hear much opposition to the plan, simply questions on what it would mean for Mayo Regional Hospital to join Northern Light Health.

The councilors voted no on holding the June vote then gave their unanimous approval on the pair of non-binding questions that would have been on the ballot. Councilors indicated on the first question that the town of Dexter favors the agreement and plan of merger and, on the second question, the town requests that the local legislative delegation and Maine Legislature take actions necessary or reasonable including but not limited to amending or revising the HAD 4 charter in order to facilitate the completion of the merger.

“Currently that bill is being put through the process, it passed under the gavel in the House this morning,” Rep. Steven Foster, R-Dexter said. “The expectation is this will be done next week.”

“We felt it was very important that citizens have a vote,” he said.

The HAD 4 charter includes guidelines for dissolving, which must be done via a unanimous vote of the 13 member communities, but the language does not specify how to proceed with a merger and this is what legislators are trying to clear up.

Foster said should anyone have questions on the proposed merger then they can contact him. He said he has been to all three community forums, with the last set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 at the Penquis Valley School in Milo.

The representative said the plan calls for the continuation of most major services at Mayo Regional Hospital, including obstetrics, for a minimum of five years.

“I am pleased that the Dexter Town Council has taken this essential step forward,” Mayo Regional Hospital President and CEO Marie Vienneau said in a statement. “The votes of the 13 communities that make up Hospital Administrative District 4 are vitally important as we try and move ahead with ensuring that quality care is available close to home. Having the assurance that this hospital will be around for the long term is crucial for the health and well-being of the people of this region. The services being provided by the talented team of experts at Mayo Regional Hospital has been critical for wellness, and in some cases their work has been life saving. Joining up with Northern Light Health is the best step forward to ensure that this hospital will continue to provide quality care close to home for many years to come.”

Mayo Regional Hospital President and CEO Marie Vienneau

The press release containing Vienneau’s statement also said that because Mayo Regional Hospital is owned and operated as a HAD its board is made up of members who are elected by the communities served by the hospital. HAD 4 is the only HAD left in Maine and is a quasi-governmental agency with taxing power. The effect of the merger would be to transform the HAD into a Maine charitable tax-exempt nonprofit corporation that would have a community-based board but would not have taxing authority. This would relieve HAD 4 communities from potential liability for the certain indebtedness of the hospital.

Dexter’s vote is the first vote of the 13 communities. The remaining 12 towns are expected to have votes in the coming weeks, pending legislation that would instruct them to do so.

While the merger questions will not be included on the June 11 ballot, the council will be asking citizens for feedback on marijuna businesses through five non-binding questions.

Councilor Sharon Grant said she is on the community marijuana task force “and we are trying to decide what the town wants. It’s non-binding and on June 11 the town votes.”

“The month before we are going to have a public forum so people can talk about what they want and we will have some speakers,” she said. Town Manager Trampas King said the forum is set to be held the evening of Monday, May 20 and the meeting will be formally posted before then.

Delaware said she is also on the task force but the group cannot do much until the state sets some guidelines. “The only thing we can control is large plots,” she said.

On Tuesday, June 11 residents will be asked five yes or no questions. Are you in favor of the town of Dexter allowing medical marijuana dispensaries? Are you in favor of the town of Dexter allowing recreational marijuana dispensaries? Are you in favor of the town of Dexter allowing medical marijuana manufacturing facilities? Are you in favor of the town of Dexter allowing recreational marijuana manufacturing facilities? Are you in favor of the town of Dexter allowing commercial marijuana grows?