Norfolk County Commission signs petition, reiterates support for bill to restore county hospital

Norfolk County commissioners voted May 13 to sign an electronic petition urging faster action to reopen the county hospital and to continue formal support for House Bill 5047, legislation the record describes as authorizing the taking of certain land in the town of Denwood to restore the hospital property.

Commissioners said the closed facility has increased travel times for emergency medical services and contributed to congestion at other nearby hospitals, remarks that commissioners and staff said affect several towns in the county. The board noted it has previously sent a letter and that signing the petition is intended to amplify local advocacy with state officials.

The motion to sign the petition and to continue tangible support for House Bill 5047 was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote. The meeting record also notes the bill’s sponsors as Representative Rogers and Senator Rush and records that the bill had passed in the legislature.

The commission did not specify a timetable for further action beyond signing the petition; commissioners discussed additional advocacy such as sending letters and electronic endorsements to state officials. No county appropriation or formal eminent-domain action was taken at the meeting. The commission’s statement emphasized continued support but did not commit county funds or set an implementation deadline.

Next steps recorded in the meeting: the county will continue advocacy efforts and may provide further communications or endorsements as state processes continue.