The Madison Saint Joseph Hospital wants downtown Madisonville merchants to help think of solutions to the hospital's debt.
The Hospital administrator said the emergency room looses about $50,000 a month. More money is also needed for foundation repairs.
Some merchants received the plea for help with mixed emotions.
"If I bought this business and it didn't work I couldn't go to the community and say look I got a business here and it's not working," said business owner Jerry Reed.
Options for help include a fundraiser, county reserves, or a tax district. However, voters last year turned down the idea of a hospital district.
