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Residents urge voter input, warn of service declines at Douglas County hearing on Alomere Health
Summary
Two Douglas County residents told commissioners Sept. 26, 2025 they want any future takeover of the county-owned hospital put to a public vote and warned that a takeover by a large entity could reduce local medical services; the Minnesota Nurses Association also submitted a letter.
During a public hearing Sept. 26, 2025, two Douglas County residents told the Board of Commissioners they want stronger public involvement before any ownership change of the county-owned hospital. Cal Anderson said he "shared his hope that, should a takeover ever be proposed, the decision would be made by a public vote rather than solely by the board."
Alice Dorsher told the board she was concerned that "a future takeover by a large entity" could lead to a decline in available medical services in the county. Both comments were entered into the hearing record; the transcript does not show a board response, staff analysis, or an immediate plan for further public engagement. Lenae Roeser, Clerk of the Board, also noted that a letter from the Minnesota Nurses Association regarding the transfer had been submitted and placed in the record but the transcript does not state the letter's specific requests or findings.
The comments took place as outside counsel, Tom Schroeder of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, presented on nonprofit governance and lease considerations for Alomere Health's proposed conversion to 501(c)(3) status. The hearing closed at 8:19 a.m. with no vote recorded.
