If this proposed long-term lease, likely for 25 years, takes place, it could begin as early as July 1, of this year.
Drew Memorial is owned by Drew County, and would continue to be.
The transaction also requires support of approximately 1/2% sales tax increase for the hospital by members of the current Drew Memorial board of directors.
A wide range of questions were asked by the board and hospital staff, and doctors, most of which were answered with either descriptions that were pleasing to most, or in some cases, “just look at our past history of how we’ve dealt with other local hospitals that have joined our system.”