(BENTON, IL) — The Franklin Hospital Board Tuesday night decided not to take action on a proposal by Morthland College Health Services to take over managing the hospital and privatize it. Derek Johnson, the hospital’s Chief Operating Officer, says the board’s attorney felt the proposal from MCHS was not valid, therefore it was not placed on the meeting agenda for action. Johnson went on to say the hospital has not solicited anyone to come run the hospital. Franklin County at one time had two hospitals, but the UMWA hospital in West Frankfort closed. When asked if the county could support two hospitals again, Johnson said he feels two hospitals would not be viable or would even survive. He says revenue for a critical care hospital like Franklin Hospital to operate comes from outpatient services not inpatient services. Earlier this month, Dr. Tim Morthland announced plans to build a new not-for-profit, $30 to $40 million hospital to be located near the Benton airport that would provide services Franklin Hospital has lost over the years. Morthland says he will carry on with the project with or without the board’s help. The board will hold a special meeting on July 26. It’s unknown at this time if the board plans to discuss the proposal further at the meeting.