IRWIN COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) - The city of Ocilla will not decide whether to shut off utility services to Irwin County Hospital until city officials meet with hospital leadership on Monday, according to Ocilla Mayor Melvin Harper.

The hospital is facing the potential suspension of water, natural gas, and sanitation services over an unpaid balance that has grown to nearly $48,000. City billing records show hospital-related accounts totaled $47,498.11 as of Sept. 16.

“Monday hasn’t happened yet, so I can’t answer that,” Harper said when asked about a potential shutoff deadline. “We certainly don’t want to do it. However, if there is no response or communication from the hospital to the city of Ocilla, we’re fee-for-service government. We’ve provided a service, and therefore, there is a fee.”

The dispute comes eight months after the city briefly shut off part of the hospital’s water service in January over an unpaid balance exceeding $20,000. Since then, the debt has more than doubled.

During a recent city council meeting, disagreements emerged over how to address the balance. While one council member warned that demanding immediate payment in full could push the financially strained rural hospital toward closure, Harper reiterated that municipal policy requires suspension of service for not paying.

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“Not paying, one. Two, not responding or replying. Not trying to reconcile. Not making an attempt. Not answering. Just a lack of communication,” Harper said. “According to the policy from the city of Ocilla that is located within our charter, we have an elected duty to uphold policy. And the policy says that when, be it business or resident, that when they are delinquent, the next step is that they demand suspension of services.”

The prospect of another shutoff has drawn concern from local residents worried about disruptions to emergency and medical care in the rural community. Harper emphasized that the city is not trying to close the facility.

“I have not the power, neither does the city of Ocilla possess the authority to shut down a hospital,” Harper said. “This is solely about a collection issue.”

When asked whether the city would consider a payment plan rather than requiring an upfront lump-sum payment, Harper said terms can only be worked out if hospital officials come to the table.

“The city of Ocilla would treat the hospital just as we have treated, particularly under this administration, any and everybody else, fairly,” Harper said. “Fairness is doing the right thing and acknowledging and having a conversation and discussing so that all of us will be able to do the right thing.”

Irwin County Hospital declined to comment on the pending balance but noted it reached out to the city in April.

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