In a letter delivered Sunday morning to the Times-Journal, Kim Ballard made one last plea for a workable solution to a healthcare controversy looming over Selma.

Ballard, an administrator at a York hospital and a Dallas County commissioner, asked that administrators at Vaughan Regional Medical Center not oppose a certificate of need request filed with the State Health Development and Planning Agency.

Along with Nashville, Tenn.-based Ameris Health, Ballard has begun the process of building an outpatient surgical center less than a mile from Vaughan Regional Medical Center.

In order to build that surgical center, Ballard first must obtain a CON from the state. Vaughan officials say they plan to oppose the CON. They have until today to file a formal opposition with the state.

“The bottom line is: We plan to go forward with the surgery center,” Ballard said in a written statement. “We would much rather work with the hospital. The ball is in their court. Don’t oppose my application and I won’t oppose yours.”

Ballard’s comments come on the heels of an advertisement run in the Times-Journal by doctors at Vaughan. Those doctors said they oppose the surgical center planned by Ameris and Ballard.

“We feel that the improvements to the hospital will have a greater impact on saving lives and improving care than a free-standing surgery center,” said the advertisement paid for by 36 doctors at Vaughan.

Ballard said building his surgical center will not hurt healthcare in Dallas County.

“Let me re-state that people are leaving Selma for elective surgical procedures, and we need to reverse this trend,” he said. “A first class free-standing surgery center will be a first step in this process.”

While Vaughan officials say they will oppose Ballard’s CON application, Ballard said his “only defense to this tactic would be to oppose their project.”

Vaughan has announced plans that it wants to expand it’s Parkway campus with a $16 million investment that would enlarge the emergency room, intensive care unit, and also build an outpatient surgical center.

In his letter, Ballard also called, for “the third time,” to meet with Vaughan CEO Gene Wright.

“While I feel that Province [the owner of Vaughan] should have taken the lead to set up a meeting, I offer for at least the third time, to discuss this matter with them,” Ballard said.

When contacted, Vaughan officials said they had no comment about Ballard’s request. They have until today to file their opposition against the outpatient surgical center.