The council no longer has the money to maintain the day-to-day operations that are costing about $50,000 a year, spokesperson Dr. Bob Bebbington said, adding council volunteers face enormous stress in trying to keep the organization afloat while fighting to recruit and keep new doctors.

"This is taking a huge toll," he told councillors.

Georgina is short eight family physicians and that figure will likely get worse as the population grows, especially since 10 out of 18 doctors in Georgina are nearing 50 or older and contemplating reduced hours or retirement, he said.

"Georgina is in danger of falling desperately behind in the provision of health care," he warned.

Council voted to pay off $180,000 left on the mortgage for the Georgina Medical clinic in Sutton, which it had secured for the health council. The town had $200,000 in reserve to secure the mortgage with the bank. The remaining $15,000 was released to cover immediate operating costs.

Council and its health council will meet soon to plan the next step, including the proposal to take over the operation as a subcommittee of council, provide funding for operational costs and consider hiring a physician recruiter.

For full details, read next week's Georgina Advocate.