The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved the initial appointments to the Columbia County Hospital Authority with resolution 23-30.
The initial members are Dewey Galeas (countywide), Dr. Rick Richards, (district 1), James Allen, III (district 2), Walter Massingale (district 3) and Ronnie Kurtz (district 4). For Galeas, Richards and Kurtz the terms will be through Dec. 31, 2026, and for Allen and Massingale the terms will be through Dec. 31, 2024. After the initial terms have expired, all future board members will serve four-year terms.
Galeas, a former county commissioner, said he has worked in healthcare for many years and has an understanding of how hospitals operate.
“I agreed to be on the board to continue serving the people of Columbia County,” Galeas said. “It’s an opportunity to make sure that the hospital serves the people of Columbia County.”
Galeas added that he appreciates the confidence of the Board of Commissioners with this appointment.
“I think this is an important appointment for and an important board of directors for the county,” Galeas said. “I am looking forward to it. I know all of the other members and there is a nice variety of experience and preparation. I think we’re going to work very well.”
Ronnie Kurtz, director of planning and community development for the City of Grovetown and one of the newly appointed board members, said the hospital coming to Columbia County is a big deal.
“The construction of Columbia County’s first hospital just outside of the Grovetown City limits is a landmark event that shall have an impact on our community for decades to come,” Kurtz said. “The City of Grovetown, and myself, personally, are incredibly thankful for Commissioner Couch extending the opportunity for us to have insight and input at this crucial moment.”
The 100-bed hospital and medical office building will be built off exit 190 in Grovetown with work expected to start in 2023 and finish in 2025, The Augusta Press previously reported.
In February, the commissioners passed a resolution to activate the Hospital Authority, County Manager Scott Johnson told the Columbia County Management and Internal Services Committee at the meeting earlier this month. He added the lengths of the terms corresponds with the terms of the county commissioners.
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
