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Daniels County commissioners debate future of vacated hospital building and maintenance backlog
Summary
Commissioners spent an extended portion of the meeting discussing the county-owned hospital facility that will be vacated, weighing rental or reuse options, long-standing maintenance neglect (including sewer-gas and water damage), and potential mill-levy language to fund upkeep.
Daniels County commissioners discussed plans and liabilities for a county-owned hospital facility the district expects to vacate in coming years, focusing on maintenance needs and possible rental or reuse options.
The commissioners reviewed written reports and firsthand accounts about recurring water leaks, sewer-gas odors and aging cast-iron plumbing in the older portion of the building. Commissioners said prior written instructions discouraged routine maintenance, which they said contributed to current problems. The meeting record shows concerns about whether basic upkeep—daily checks, heating and electrical upgrades, and liability insurance—would be covered if the county assumes responsibility for the property.
Commissioners raised possible near-term approaches, including seeking a rental agreement with the hospital district (discussed as an illustrative figure in the meeting of roughly $50,000 per year), pursuing grants for assisted-living conversion, or repurposing parts of the facility for county use such as an extension office. They discussed examples from nearby communities (Savage) where grants supported assisted-living conversions, but stressed the county would need detailed cost estimates for heating, electrical upgrades and code compliance before pursuing such options.
Several commissioners repeatedly emphasized financial constraints: the county lacks dedicated funds for sustained upkeep and would likely need to clarify whether mill-levy language can or should be written to include property maintenance. Commissioners also questioned whether the county could or should take the facility back if extensive capital work (estimated but not quantified in the meeting) were required to bring the building up to code.
The discussion produced no formal decision to acquire, sell or begin major renovation. Staff and commissioners agreed to continue information-gathering, prepare clearer cost estimates and consider drafting a maintenance or rental agreement to present at a future meeting. The clerk indicated staff would prepare documents and follow up with the hospital district and relevant stakeholders.
Ending: No formal vote on the building's disposition was taken; commissioners directed staff to compile additional information and draft possible agreements for future consideration.
