AUBURN - In an effort to help Auburn Memorial Hospital recover from its financial woes, the Cayuga County Legislature has allocated $250,000 to the Cayuga County Hospital Improvement Corporation.

The measure was unanimously approved by the Legislature during a special meeting Wednesday, at which Robert Bergan, the hospital's new board of trustees president, thanked the Legislature for its support.

“I want you to know that the board fully realizes we have challenges, and that we have a responsibility to turn the hospital around,” Bergan said.

The money will go toward funding a consultant, Wellspring Partners, which will conduct a six-week assessment of the hospital.

After that time, the consultants will present the board with a plan to improve the hospital's financial situation and quality of care, Bergan said.

The hospital was on track to lose more than $3 million in 2005, according to a December interview with hospital administrator Brendan McGrath.

Legislature Chairman George Fearon said legislators decided to transfer money from the county's fund balance because the state of AMH can affect a variety of things, including economic development in the county.