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Hospital project clears city approvals; county‑backed financing described as not using property taxes
Summary
Hospital leaders told the Meeker County Board that pharmacy certification delays were being cleared, the hospital’s building project passed city variances, bids will be sought and the early financing plan uses bonds backed by the county while hospital staff said they are 'adamant that no tax dollars are being used.' Final audit numbers remain pending.
Hospital representatives updated the Meeker County Board on construction and finances for a long‑planned hospital expansion and on a separate pharmacy relocation and certification. Hospital staff said the pharmacy construction finished in late October but certification was delayed by inspector scheduling and a corrective recheck; air‑handling and microbial tests were pending and staff expected results by the end of the week.
On the building project, the board heard that the city granted variances (height and parking) and formally vacated two alleys so the project can proceed to construction documents. Hospital leaders said they expect to solicit construction bids this spring and aim to break ground in July, with an approximate two‑year construction timeline to summer 2028.
Hospital finance staff gave an operational update: preliminary unaudited results show revenue and expenses each ran about 7% over budget in 2025; after final audit adjustments the projected operating margin is expected in the low single digits. The presenter noted two outstanding accounting adjustments — a cost‑report item under hospital control and a PAR adjustment pending state guidance — that will affect final audited balances.
On financing, staff said they were pursuing bank bids and growth bonds backed by the county and stressed that the plan does not rely on county property‑tax dollars. The board did not take a financing vote at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with final audited financials and firm financing terms before any binding county commitment.
