PELL CITY — The St. Clair County Commission is expected to meet with St. Vincent’s Health System officials when it convenes this morning and could vote on plans for a new hospital.

“We should take some type of action,” said commission Chairman Stan Batemon. “I think we’re very close.”

Two weeks ago, the Pell City Council approved a resolution agreeing to pay up to $3 million during a 20-year period to help subsidize the new St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital.

“This has dragged on for so long,” Pell City Councilman James McGowan said after the council voted its unanimous support for the new hospital. “It’s time to move on.”

The hospital project has been in the works for a number of years. Officials say a new hospital is needed to replace the 41-year-old hospital on Dr. John Haynes Drive.

“The community’s support has continued despite the extended timeframe for this project,” said Terrell Vick, St. Vincent’s St. Clair hospital’s president. “The changing economy and bond market caused this project to change several times and to take much longer than expected. It is to the credit of everyone involved that we have persevered to do what is in the best interest of the community. I know our hospital staff is 100 percent behind this project, recognizing the positive impact it will have on patient care.”

Batemon said the St. Vincent’s Health System officials are expected to address the commission at a work session slated before the commission meeting this morning at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Pell City.

He said the hospital is putting $16 million into the project through its annual lease payment for the next 20 years and is also contributing another $1 million in donations it raised.

Batemon said Pell City’s commitment sent a message to the County Commission — that the county is not in this alone in this project.

The commission could consider approving $150,000 annually to help subsidize the hospital or $3 million during the next 20 years, once the hospital is built. This is one-half of the hospital’s anticipated annual deficit and is the same commitment Pell City made two weeks ago.

Under the proposed agreement, Pell City and the St. Clair County Commission will gain ownership of the old hospital.

“We are excited to see this process nearing completion and a new hospital on the horizon for St. Clair County,” said John O’Neil, president and CEO of St. Vincent’s Health System. “It has been so encouraging to see the passion city and county leaders have to ensure that residents have a quality medical facility close to home. Our staff at the current hospital has done a wonderful job. It is now time to make sure the facility itself is able to accommodate the latest in equipment and services. This community deserves a new hospital.”

Officials say the new hospital was a key factor in the Veterans Administration selecting an adjacent site to build one of the largest nursing homes in the state. The new Veterans Administration nursing home is expected to bring in $80 million in construction revenue and 300 new permanent jobs.

Officials also say Jefferson State Community College has plans to expand its nursing program at the Pell City campus, in partnership with St. Vincent’s Health System at the new hospital.

“It is truly exciting to see so many people coming together to make the new hospital a reality,” O’Neil said. “There are many opportunities ahead to work with Jeff State, the VA system and others to have a tremendous positive impact on the health and quality of life of our community. We are looking forward to the day when we can open our doors on not just a new, state-of-the-art hospital but on a new era of collaboration and growth for this area.”

Hospital officials say the new facility will not only allow for the expansion of medical services, especially outpatient services, but will help attract new specialists.

“We are planning to build the type of facility and services that will attract physicians and patients,” O’Neil said. “You won’t have to travel to Birmingham for many of the traditional and more innovative services as you do now. We see this as being a hub for medical and wellness services that will make St. Clair County very proud.”

Batemon said Monday that the County Commission is required to provide indigent care, which the new hospital will also provide.

He said hospital officials are expected to show documents that the hospital provided more than $12 million in indigent health care during the past three years.

“Given changing circumstances in the economy, I believe we have crafted the only workable solution to building a new hospital,” O’Neil said. “It calls for each party to make a significant contribution to the project and to this community’s future. We believe the community is worth this investment and hope that with this final proposal we can all join together to make the new hospital a reality.”