Baldwin County commissioners approve to financially help hospital

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A new stream of money is coming to Oconee Regional Medical Center.

The Baldwin County Commissioners voted last week to pay the hospital $500,000 every year for 10 years.

“I’m very excited, so I’m very pleased they took the initiative to support the hospital,” local attorney Matt Roessing said.

“Letting the community know that we know it’s important and are willing to participate in what happens next.”

Baldwin County Commissioner Henry Craig says the money will help the hospital’s high indigent care costs. Commissioners haven’t finalized how the payments will be covered or if homeowners in Baldwin County will pay higher taxes.

“[The hospital] is an asset to the region,” Craig said. “And we realize its important it stays.”

It didn’t take much convincing for Craig to feel an obligation to help economically and morally.

“The economic impact it brings is immeasurable.”

In the past, there was fear that Oconee Regional Medical Center would close, but with backing from the county to the tune of $5 million in 10 years, the hospital isn’t alone in its comeback.