GARNETT — Anderson County commissioners and hospital officials have approve resolutions placing a $26 million bond issue for a new hospital before voters in April. The proposed bond issue would build a new hospital and long-term care unit west of the present hospital building. Hospital officials told the Anderson County Review that without a new facility it’s doubtful Anderson County will be able to maintain a hospital in the future. The current building is more than 60 years old and has numerous structure issues, including plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, and the roof. An independent study by a consultant says it likely would cost about $21 million to fix the problems, and some problems could not be repaired. A newly formed committee plans a campaign to educate voters about the need for a new hospital. The committee includes members of the FACE committee who helped sell the successful school bond issue for Garnett Elementary School. St. Luke’s Health System, which operates the hospital, says it will increase its lease payments from $440,000 annually to more than $1 million per year for 10 years to help pay for the new hospital. The hospital employs 195 people, making it one of the largest employers in the county.
Monday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m.
