The Channel 9 investigative team has uncovered significant cost overruns and timeline delays in the county’s new hospital construction project, raising questions about oversight and taxpayer accountability.
Originally budgeted at $120 million with a 2024 completion date, the project has now ballooned to an estimated $185 million with an expected opening no earlier than late 2026, according to documents obtained through public records requests.
What Went Wrong?
Our investigation found a combination of factors contributing to the overruns: supply chain disruptions, design changes requested after construction began, and what industry experts describe as an unrealistically low initial budget estimate.
County officials defended the project, saying the additional costs will result in a better facility that will serve the community for decades. However, taxpayer advocacy groups are calling for an independent audit of the project finances.
Channel 9 will continue following this story as the county board considers whether to approve additional funding at next month’s budget session.
