ST. PAUL – The County of St. Paul has approved a request from the Town of Elk Point to provide a $7,500 stipend to support a new physician potentially moving to Elk Point.
The Town of Elk Point will also be providing financial loan “to lessen the financial impact of moving,” according to information from the County of St. Paul.
During County of St. Paul council’s Jan. 14 meeting, CAO Jason Wallsmith said that in 2021, council approved a policy that provides a $7,500 stipend per doctor that moves to Elk Point, contingent to the doctor signing a minimal three-year contract.
If the doctor leaves before the contract ends, the stipend is paid back to the County.
Reeve Glen Ockerman asked if council has activated the policy in the past few years.
Coun. Darrell Younghans, who sits on the policy committee, said no.
“I just want to say that I don’t love the fact that municipalities have to fork up money to get doctors into the community,” said Coun. Ross Krekoski. “It is, frankly, a provincial responsibility and I really dislike being in this spot.”
However, Krekoski acknowledged the need for doctors. “That said, I do support this person [moving] in,” he added. He then made a motion to approve the $7,500 stipend to help the physician move to the area, should they choose to practice in Elk Point, contingent on the physician signing a three-year contract.
The motion was carried.
