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Berger Hospital reports $12.5 million in authorized capital projects; lease board weighs reduced oversight
Summary
Hospital and Lease Board representatives told council that Berger (partnered with OhioHealth) has about $12.5 million in authorized but unspent capital projects, a surgery-area renovation underway with completion expected next spring or summer, and that the Circleville–Pickaway Lease Board is considering meeting less frequently or disbanding.
Representatives of Berger Hospital and the Circleville–Pickaway Lease Board reported to Circleville City Council on May 20, 2025 that the hospital has roughly $12.5 million in authorized capital projects still to be spent, including a major surgery-area renovation, and that the Lease Board is evaluating whether to reduce its meeting frequency or disband.
Why it matters: Berger’s capital investments and staffing commitments were part of the hospital’s lease arrangement with the city and county; the lease board was established to monitor that agreement. Councilors were given updates on ongoing projects, staffing gains and the board’s potential change in oversight role.
Capital and construction: Casey, the hospital representative, told council that the hospital authorized about $12,500,000 in capital projects as part of the lease and is “continuing to spend those down.” The largest ongoing project is a surgery renovation; the presenter said construction is under way, with work on the front waiting room and operating rooms and an expected completion date in spring or summer 2026. The renovation will add a consolidated pre/post area with 21 private, walled rooms to replace curtain-separated bays.
Funding: Casey outlined different funding buckets: roughly $1.5 million in routine capital funding for the coming year and approximately $2.5 million available from critical-facilities infrastructure funds for items such as medical gas, elevators and electrical systems. He said the hospital continues to receive annual capital from OhioHealth and can tap larger pools for major infrastructure projects.
Workforce and services: The presenter said Berger has met its original commitment of 15.5 physician full-time equivalents and continues recruitment for primary care, women’s health, endocrinology and an additional cardiologist. He said Berger delivers about 60% of births in Pickaway County and that the hospital awards about $20,000 in nursing scholarships this year. Casey also announced that Dr. Matt Mason, the hospital’s chief medical officer for three years, accepted a promotion to chief medical officer at Doctors Hospital and will be replaced in coming months.
Lease-board oversight: John Edgar, chair of the Circleville–Pickaway Lease Board, told council the board has met less frequently as the hospital has performed on its commitments and that some members believe the board has “no real purpose” going forward. Edgar reminded council that the lease is a 30-year agreement and said “the council or the board that exists is really at your will,” urging council to discuss whether to continue the board’s current structure. He also noted the lease requires an annual report to the city and county, a requirement the board continues to meet.
Quotes and process notes: Casey said the surgery area work will “improve the patient experience” and described the pre/post renovation as providing “21 walled private rooms” rather than curtains. Edgar said the lease “is a 30 year lease” and that the board will seek council direction on whether to meet less often.
Next steps: The lease board plans to meet again in the fall and will continue to provide annual reports. Council indicated it will canvass its two council appointees to the lease board and discuss the board’s future as a council matter.
