By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Sept. 25 meeting of the Guthrie County Hospital Board of Trustees, Matt Leaders and Cory Bettis, representatives from Graham Construction, presented the tentative timeline for the hospital’s planned improvement project.
“We’re looking to start construction in early March,” Leaders said, adding that the construction period is tentatively expected to be from March 2026 to August 2028. He also said the tentative start date of March 2 is somewhat weather-dependent.
Chief Financial Officer Brandon Johnson provided a monthly report on finances.
It was noted that seasonal flu shots for staff have begun to be scheduled and administered.
Foundation Director Dennis Flanery said the 5K walk/run and health fair are set for Oct. 4. He added that the hospital auxiliary plans to hold a potato bar fundraiser on Nov. 20.
The trustees voted to approve opening a bank account for the improvement project and to set a date for a hearing on a proposal to issue bonds or notes and borrow funds related to the project. CEO Chris Stipe noted that the hospital still could decide to shelve the project if unforeseen challenges arise.
“This is not a point of no return yet,” he said.
The trustees set the hearing for Oct. 23 (the date of the next regular board meeting).
The board went into a special closed session to discuss a personnel matter.
The next regular meeting of the trustees is set for Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. The public is welcome.