Kaufman County approves $200M hospital project in Forney by Texas Health Resources

The Kaufman County Commissioners Court convened on May 27, 2025, at the annex for its regular meeting, beginning with an invocation led by Commissioner Moore, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The meeting welcomed both in-person attendees and those watching online.

The court first addressed routine correspondence, noting upcoming clean-up events scheduled for June 7. Following this, the consent agenda was presented, which included three items: the acceptance of the minutes from the May 20 meeting, the tax assessor-collector's monthly property tax collections report for April, and the monthly auto collection report for the same month. A motion to approve these items was made by Commissioner Phillips and seconded by Commissioner Scribe, with the motion passing unanimously.

The meeting then moved to a significant agenda item concerning Texas Health Resources. John Leatherbury, an attorney representing the organization, discussed a proposed bond issuance for the renovation of various hospital facilities, including a new acute care hospital in Forney, Kaufman County. The project is estimated to cost up to $200 million and will include an emergency department and labor and delivery services, with room for future expansion.

Leatherbury emphasized that the bond issuance, which is part of a larger $1 billion transaction, would not impose any financial burden on local taxpayers, as the responsibility for repayment lies solely with Texas Health Resources. The court was asked to provide TEFRA approval, a requirement from the IRS to ensure local consent for the expenditure of funds in the county. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Kels made a motion to approve the bond issuance, which was seconded by Commissioner Moore, and the motion carried without opposition.

The meeting concluded with the court's approval of the necessary documents for the bond issuance, paving the way for the anticipated construction to begin later this year, contingent on market conditions. The court's actions reflect a commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities in Kaufman County while ensuring fiscal responsibility.