TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- The Cherokee Nation tribal council isn't giving up in its plan to purchase 45 acres next to the Hastings<br>Indian Hospital for a possible expansion of the hospital.<br><br>The
Wednesday, June 14th 2000, 12:00 am
By: News On 6
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) -- The Cherokee Nation tribal council isn't giving up in its plan to purchase 45 acres next to the Hastings Indian Hospital for a possible expansion of the hospital.
The council overrode Chief Chad Smith's veto of the purchase plan Monday night. The override was one of three by the council in its meeting. It marked the first time Smith's actions have been overridden since he took office in August. All of the votes were 10-4.
Smith said he vetoed the purchase of the land for $540,000 because the tribe's comptroller told him the necessary money wasn't in the general fund. He said he felt the acquisition was against the tribe's constitution.
Charles Grimm, director of the Indian Health Service in Oklahoma, told the tribal council that that were no plans to expand the hospital. But tribal council members said the hospital is overloaded and expansion is necessary.
The council also overrode Smith's vetoes of legislation that would have given the council subpoena powers and made the council the recipient of funding for the Cherokee Nation Housing Authority.
Get The Daily Update!
Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!