Apex Health Systems outlines local hospital plan; city council approves supportive resolution

Representatives of Apex (presented by Bill Wright, vice president) described plans to acquire the existing local hospital and construct a new roughly $22–25 million facility intended to expand access to emergency and primary care in Jefferson and Marian County.

Wright said the project aims to run at no cost to city taxpayers by relying on private financing and grant applications; he said the building would include around 10 licensed beds with three configured as flex psychiatric beds and that the facility would accept private insurance, cash pay, Medicare and Medicaid. Wright described partnerships with regional clinicians and a plan to include a privately owned pharmacy with community delivery service. He estimated the project could create between 20 and 70 jobs locally.

Councilors asked about scope and permitting. A council member noted staff capacity constraints for interagency coordination; city staff said the resolution was a commitment to support permitting and coordination but that Apex would need to lead detailed agency work. The council voted to approve a resolution expressing support for Apex’s project with one abstention.

Next steps: Apex will continue permitting steps and pursue grants; city staff will provide standard permitting assistance but will not assume the lead on interagency coordination absent additional resources.