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TMH acts quickly

Board commissions study, hires general contractor for hospital project

Joshua Roberts

— It didn’t take long for The Memorial Hospital’s board and administration to move forward with plans to build a new hospital.

About 48 hours after Moffat County voters approved TMH’s proposed 3-mill, $42.6 million tax package, hospital board members and executives met for a special meeting Thursday night to name a general contractor and commission a study of hospital finances.

A short-handed board – three members were absent – unanimously approved hiring Robins & Morton, a Brentwood, Tenn., company. The company was one of seven initial applicants vying for the project, and one of three finalists.



Robins & Morton submitted the lowest bid of the three finalists, about $1.1 million. JE Dunn Construction turned in a $2.5 million bid.

The hospital’s building committee interviewed representatives from the three finalists Oct. 25.



Committee chairwoman Corrie Ponikvar said Robins & Morton pledged to have the new hospital finished quickly.

“They assured us they could have the project done in 13 months,” she said.

Board member Sue Lyster said Robins & Morton also had experience in climates similar to Craig and working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“All three of them are good, but I think we came to the conclusion that one was best for us in our area,” Lyster said.

HUD also figured into the board’s second action of the evening, hiring an audit firm to complete a Financial Feasibility Study, a HUD requirement. HUD will not be the financier behind the hospital project, but TMH is applying to the department to essentially act as a loan co-signer.

The board, at the recommendation of its finance committee, hired Dixon Hughes Certified Public Accountants and Advisors, a company headquartered in Asheville, N.C. Timeframe for completing the work again played a role in the board’s action.

“They have a lot of experience, can start immediately and finish the job in 90 days,” finance committee chairwoman Missy Bonaker said.

The cost for the study will vary between $65,000 to $115,000 depending on HUD requirements, and an additional $7,500 in fees.

The new hospital will encompass 84,475 square feet, about 9,000 more than the current Russell Street facility, and be built on 15 acres of ground in west Craig.

George Rohrich, TMH chief executive officer, said he was excited the project is making progress.

“We’ve got the team together now,” he said.


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