It was announced at the Monday, March 27, 2023, Mexico City Council meeting that FORVIS, a national CPA and advisory firm, will be conducting a healthcare market assessment and financial feasibility study for the City of Mexico, Audrain County Commission and the Audrain County Health Department.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was sent out on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Two proposals were received and ultimately FORVIS was chosen to do the study.

The total cost of the healthcare feasibility study is estimated to be $75,000 and will be done in three phases that will include data information. The City of Mexico will use $50,000 of remaining funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to help pay for the study.  The Audrain County Commission will split the cost with the City of Mexico for the study and will also use remaining AARPA funds. The Audrain County Health Department will help FORVIS gain access to data during all three stages of the feasibility study.

Audrain County Health Department CEO Craig Brace said this study will determine delivery models needed for the area. “We will find out about multiple delivery models such as an emergency room, urgent care, critical access hospital, possible rural emergency hospital. It will also determine a possible remote campus with assistance from possibly Boone or MU Healthcare.”

Phase one of the study is expected to be complete within 45-60 days after the receipt of data. An extra 30-45 days is estimated for phase two and phase three of the study. During the feasibility study meetings will be held locally with local stakeholders such as physicians and potential investors.