Montrose, CO—Today the Montrose Board of County Commissioners voted 3-0 to transfer the real property of 800 South 3rd Street and associated hospital properties to Montrose Regional Health. This decision follows two public work sessions in both April and May. 

“I continue to believe this decision was made in the best interest of the taxpayers and the long term interests of the community hospital,” said Commissioner Sue Hansen. “When you are looking at whether or not to potentially burden the taxpayers or stifle future healthcare growth, the choice was clear. We have all seen the importance of high-quality and reliable healthcare through the pandemic and we know that accessing affordable, quality care is a priority for our residents. I would like to thank and recognize our board of trustees for their dedicated service to the community.”

“This decision is the result of a positive, collaborative relationship between the county and the hospital,” said Dr. Kjersten Davis, Montrose Regional Health Chair of the Board of Directors. “The new relationship will benefit the county, the hospital, the county taxpayers and the hospital patients. Both the county and the hospital will be able to operate independently, but with the support of the each other.”

The agreement includes a 38 year optional reverter clause that would allow the commissioners to take ownership of the property if the hospital were to cease operating as a non-profit. Additionally, the agreement allows the board of county commissioners to appoint two board representatives to the Montrose Regional Hospital board. There is currently no county representation on the board. The addition of the county appointed seats increases public input into hospital operations.  

On May 16, the county hospital board of trustees unanimously voted to approve the agreement and signed the contract. As the property will be transferred to the hospital, the board of trustees will be dissolved.

To see the resolution, please visit: https://montrosecounty.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=889&meta_id=99158

To view the agreement, please visit: https://montrosecounty.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=889&meta_id=99160