During a recent government meeting, officials expressed gratitude to community members for their participation and emphasized the importance of public input on critical issues, particularly regarding the future of the county-owned hospital. Supervisor Carl highlighted ongoing concerns about employee retention within the healthcare sector, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges. He acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Jackson and his staff, who have been transparent about their struggles with staffing.

Supervisor Lee commended the Piedmont County Hospital staff for their service but indicated that the county's healthcare capabilities may no longer meet the growing needs of the population. He suggested that it might be time to explore alternatives to county ownership to ensure high-quality healthcare for residents.

The board unanimously approved a motion to authorize Raymond James and Butler Snow to develop a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the potential sale of the hospital. This decision reflects a strategic move towards addressing the healthcare demands of the community while ensuring that the process remains transparent and inclusive of public input.

As discussions continue, officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining quality healthcare services and supporting current employees throughout any transitions. The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing communication and engagement with the community as the board navigates these significant changes.