County approves bonding step for Riverview Health property purchase; deed and temporary hospital-association appointments signed

The Hammond County Board of Commissioners on July 28 adopted a resolution to begin a bonding process related to a partnership with Riverview Health and approved related deed and personnel paperwork. The county attorney presented Resolution 07282025-1, described as starting the bonding process for acquisition of property in partnership with Riverview Health. The attorney told commissioners the dollar amount in the resolution is “not to exceed $23,000,000 at this point in time.” Commissioners moved, seconded and voted in favor. Commissioners also approved a quick-claim deed that transfers property from Riverview to the Riverview Hospital Association; the deed was not available at the prior meeting, the attorney said, and the board signed it after the deed was provided. The board approved temporary appointments to the Riverview Health County Hospital Association, adding David Boyer and attesting signatures for previously approved temporary members Dave Bertner and Phil Beard. No public comment was recorded during the deed and appointments actions. Commissioners voted verbally “Aye” to approve the resolution, the deed and the appointments. The actions taken initiate a multi-step process; the attorney framed the resolution as an initial step only, and the resolution language specifies the bonding amount cap. Further financing steps, legal instruments and meetings will be required before funds are issued or property transfers take effect. The county attorney and commissioners handled the items during the regular meeting; no additional conditions or votes were recorded on the record about the ultimate disposition of the property or the final bond issuance schedule.