Anniston council approves asset purchase to transfer Regional Medical Center to Orlando Health affiliate

Anniston — The Anniston City Council on April 7 approved an ordinance authorizing an asset purchase agreement that will transfer substantially all assets of the Regional Medical Center (RMC) from the Anniston Healthcare Authority to BBH‑N Incorporated, described in the ordinance as an affiliate of Orlando Health.

The ordinance, read into the record by city staff, cites the Healthcare Authorities Act and Code of Alabama sections referenced in the text and says the authority will transfer its assets to BBH in return for contractual obligations BBH will perform; Orlando Health is listed in the transcript as the guarantor for certain obligations. The ordinance as presented states it becomes effective immediately upon adoption and publication one time in the Anderson Star.

Why it matters: Council members described the transaction as a major step to stabilize local health care after years of financial and operational challenges at RMC. Elected officials said the city’s support is conditioned on enforceable commitments to preserve essential services — notably emergency care — support the health‑care workforce, and maintain access for residents regardless of ability to pay.

Council members praised the expected infusion of resources and expertise from Orlando Health. One council member said, “Our support is not blind and is not based on hope. It is based on expectation,” and urged that the city ensure the agreement includes protections for emergency services, workforce stability and continued access to care. The transcript records multiple council speakers welcoming Orlando Health’s involvement and describing the transaction as a regional turning point.

The ordinance text read at the meeting references specific administrative authorities and states the city will become a third‑party beneficiary for certain contractual obligations. The document also notes the termination of a prior agreement dated Sept. 6, 2016, once the transaction closes and the authority ceases operating healthcare facilities.

Vote and next steps: The council moved for immediate consideration and then for passage and adoption during the meeting. The meeting transcript records a roll‑call sequence of affirmative responses during the votes; the motion passed and the ordinance was adopted during the session. The ordinance directs the city clerk to publish the ordinance one time in the Anderson Star as required by the text read into the record. The transcript does not include a full typed roll‑call sheet with named vote tallies for every member, but the recorded responses in the meeting indicate unanimous approval in the session.

The council and speakers at the meeting said they expect the authority and BBH/Orlando Health to follow through on contractual commitments and enforcement mechanisms; the transcript does not include the final signed asset purchase agreement or details on specific enforcement mechanisms in this meeting’s text. The city’s newspaper publication and any subsequent filings are the next public steps noted in the meeting record.