Noble Health collectively owes nearly $528k in property taxes to Audrain, Callaway counties
EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been clarified. Noble Health had no prior affiliation with ZivaMedical.
MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)
Audrain and Callaway counties are collectively owed nearly $528,000 in property taxes from Nobel Health while bankruptcy proceedings continue.
Noble Health declared bankruptcy in March 2022.
Records show Audrain County filed administrative expenses in the Western District of Missouri Bankruptcy Court for $458,827.81 in unpaid real estate taxes. The judge ordered that it be paid by Jan. 24.
Noble Health's attorney attempted to slow down the implementation of the judge's order regarding Audrain County's claim until their reorganization plan is approved
Court documents say Noble Health’s ownership group has been in negotiations with Audrain County officials. Noble Health disputes the amount of tax attributable to the actual value of the real estate.
Noble Health -- which is trying to reorganize under ZivaMedical's umbrella -- argues that both parties previously agreed to mediation scheduled for Feb. 5 and 7. Nobel Health has asked the court to delay the judge's order of January 24th, to set aside until the two sides can come to a resolution in the mediation process.
A phone hearing is set for 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb 22.
Meanwhile, Callaway County is owed $68,691.29 in property taxes. Callaway County Collector Sarah Gladman told ABC 17 News that the majority of their property taxes go to Callaway County schools. Gladman said Noble Health had been late making payments before, but it hasn’t had a major impact on the County’s finances.
Audrain County officials confirmed they were owed property taxes, but declined to comment on the bankruptcy proceedings.
Noble Health entered the rural communities of Mexico and Fulton promising to rescue its hospitals. However, despite receiving millions in federal COVID relief and substantial administrative fees, Noble Health shut its doors within two years. Aside from the thousands of dollars of property taxes owed, Noble Health also faced numerous lawsuits as well as state and federal investigations.
