Junction City Manager Allen Dinkel feels Geary Community Hospital is vital for the community. He recently informed the city commission that he is aware it is a county hospital. "But it's vital. I mean, if we lose the hospital to this community I think economic development stops, I think growth is going to stop completely." Dinkel added he knows money is involved and hard looks at the budget, and it's a county commission issue. But he also pointed out that 65% of the population lives in Junction City and the residents of the city pay taxes.
GCH has been facing stiff financial challenges. There is a review planned for specific funding needs for the hospital, and Geary Community officials have indicated to the county commission that a property tax increase might be necessary to help meet the financial challenges. The county owns the hospital building.
County Commissioners have asked their legal counsel to meet with the counsel for the hospital to determine specific needs that will exist.