GARNETT — Anderson County voters will decide April 2 whether $25 million in general obligation bonds will be issued for construction of a new county hospital.
At a recent informational meeting, it was pointed out construction costs would exceed $25 million, and additional cost would be borne by increased lease payments from St. Luke’s Health System, the Anderson County Review reported.
Lease payments would go from $440,000 a year to $1.025 million, for at least 10 years, if the bond issue is approved.
Proponents of a new hospital contend that repairing the current facility would cost more, because of significant infrastructure improvements needed in virtually all areas: plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling, roofing and structure.
From a economic standpoint, proponents also pointed out that the hospital was the county’s largest employer, with 195 employee with annual salaries and benefits of more than $9.1 million.
The current hospital opened in 1951.
Anderson County seeks new hospital
