TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare are voicing opposition to a special hospital tax.<\/p>\n
The idea of this special tax district surfaced in discussions<\/a> after Democratic State Representative Allison Tant posted that an influential, pro-business political committee floated the idea to fund what would become \u201cFSU Health.\u201d <\/p>\n Now, FSU and TMH are making their stances clear.<\/p>\n In a joint statement on Wednesday, both institutions set the record straight, saying they do not support the creation of a special hospital taxing district in Leon County. <\/p>\n \u201cLet us be clear: Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare do not support the creation of a special hospital taxing district in Leon County or anywhere else,\u201d the statement read. <\/p>\n More Tallahassee news:<\/p>\n Chairperson for Grow Tallahassee, Bugra Demirel\u2013whom Tant said pitched the tax idea\u2013denied ever mentioning a special taxing district.<\/p>\n Demirel released a statement on Wednesday, agreeing with FSU and TMH\u2019s stance on the tax.<\/p>\n \u201cGrow Tallahassee agrees with FSU and TMH, and opposes any additional tax burden on our residents and businesses. As part of the FSU-TMH partnership to create an academic medical center, FSU will be footing the bill on behalf of the entire community,\u201d Demirel\u2019s statement read. \u201cWe\u2019re grateful for their continued commitment to invest in Tallahassee\u2019s future. Now, it\u2019s time to finalize the partnership and move forward together to deliver the healthcare system our community deserves.\u201d<\/p>\n FSU and TMH share the community-first sentiment, saying the focus remains on strengthening the partnership to establish FSU Health, which will serve the entire Tallahassee community. <\/p>\n \u201cThis collaboration will enhance healthcare access, advance medical education, and improve health outcomes for all residents. Taxes have never been a part of our conversations, and they never will,\u201d FSU-TMH\u2019s statement concluded.<\/p>\n Tant, who originally took to social media to oppose the tax, reiterated her stance and shared her relief at hearing FSU\u2019s position on the matter.<\/p>\n \u201cI am opposed to the creation of a special hospital taxing district for Leon County. I will fight this at every turn. I was relieved to learn last night that FSU is also opposed to a taxing district,\u201d Tant wrote.<\/p>\n The Tallahassee City Commission will ultimately have to decide whether or not to sell the hospital to FSU, and if so, at what price.<\/p>\n So far, the commission has generally advanced the sale on a 3-2 vote, but final details are still being worked out.<\/p>\n Both TMH and FSU are wrangling over how many seats on the new FSU Health board each side should get.<\/p>\n Originally, both agreed to a 17-seat board with a one-seat majority for TMH, easing concerns of a state takeover of the city-owned hospital. But, city commissioners pushed for both Florida A&M University and Tallahassee State College to have seats, too.<\/p>\n That led to one proposal where two seats are added that\u2019s supported by TMH. But, FSU announced it supported a different deal where each entity gives up one seat, though that would give the state government indirect control.<\/p>\n However, FSU President Richard McCullough has consistently pointed out that a supermajority of the board would be needed to make major decisions like hire a CEO, acquire real estate, and more.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n