Upton County, Mo., resident George Sholtz filed a lawsuit to block a community improvement district that would help Houston, Mo.-based Texas County Memorial Hospital complete a surgery center development, the Houston Herald reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. The lawsuit asks a judge to block the Houston City Council's vote and adoption of the CID, which was expected to take place Nov. 19. The council gave the ordinance initial approval Nov. 5. The CID would tax the community to fund the surgery center.
2. Mr. Sholtz said the proposal violates Missouri law and alleges TCMH used a false assessment for its property. He previously voiced his opposition to the proposal at a Houston City Council meeting, during which he said the proposed money was part of a "shuffle game." TCMH CEO Wes Murray said Mr. Sholtz' presentation at that meeting contained a significant amount of misinformation.
3. The CID would create a temporary quarter-cent sales tax to help TCMH replace its 40-year-old surgical wing. The district would collect an estimated $675,000 to be earmarked for the surgery center development. The sales tax would end up to six years after reaching the cap.