Geary County Commissioners may need extra-strength pain reliever to deal with their newest headache. Commission Chair Trish Giordano announced on Monday that there was a discussion with representatives from Henderson Building Solutions and the Geary Community Hospital Board of Trustees. A three-step plan was outlined to bring the hospital back up to code and fix maintenance issues. "The approximate total is almost $28 million. "
Giordano said the issue will receive discussion at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, but there will have to be some strategic planning between the county and the hospital. "The hospital building belongs to the county, it is the county's responsibility. And even if somebody takes over the services at the hospital it's still going to be our building. So it's something we as a commission need to address ASAP. "
According to a power point presentation to the commission, the grand total of funding needed over the next four years equates to $27,856,150. The expenses would be necessary in areas ranging from mechanical and plumbing to electrical, fire protection and vertical transport. More than $2.2 million has been proposed for contingency funds.
Giordano added that they may have to talk with their bond counsel, and work totaling nearly $12 million needs to be done as soon as possible.