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Hospital sale draws calls for transparency; candidates urge cautious approach
Summary
At a Williamson Inc. forum, candidates Mary Smith and Andy Marshall addressed the possibility of selling the county hospital, with Smith demanding more transparency and Marshall urging compliance with state law and establishing a trust to preserve services.
The possible sale of the Williamson County hospital was a focal point at the Williamson Inc. mayoral forum, prompting both candidates to urge caution and to emphasize continuity of services for the community and the hospital workforce.
Mary Smith, District 5 County Commissioner and candidate for county mayor, described the topic as "very emotional" for residents and employees and said she would press for more transparency in any process. "There's over a thousand people that work in that hospital," Smith said, arguing that community input and consideration of alternatives (including leasing) are needed before any final decision.
Andy Marshall, a mayoral candidate with a background in local business, said the county must follow applicable state law concerning proceeds from any sale. Marshall suggested using a trust to preserve services the county currently funds and consider other long-term projects for additional funds. "We should put some of the money... into a trust to take care of these needs that they're covering right now so that we don't have to worry about them," he said.
Why it matters: Candidates said the county should ensure health-care capacity and workforce stability if ownership changes. The forum transcript records that state law currently constrains sale proceeds to health-care uses, and Marshall referenced a pending statutory exemption threshold for large sales that was on the governor's desk.
Both candidates urged a deliberative process. Smith said commissioners have requested more transparency and time to review options and impacts, citing questions about leasing versus sale and possible effects on service costs. Marshall stressed following legal requirements and urged preserving the county’s AAA bond rating while addressing long-term capital needs.
The forum did not produce a formal decision; candidates indicated they would act within legal constraints and with further community input. Organizers said the county hospital matter remains subject to board deliberations and state oversight; any final sale or lease would be governed by applicable state law and the hospital board's processes.
