Hospital renovation project passes protest period

Marion County Hospital District No. 1 has jumped through the first hurdle in obtaining bonds for a hospital renovation project.

The period for constituents to protest the district’s bond application has passed, giving the board of directors clearance to move to the next step — obtaining a bond rating.

Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Armstrong told St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary members Thursday that hospital officials should know by the end of December or the first of January if the entity can obtain a bond rating.

A bond rating is necessary to sell bonds to interested parties.

Architects are also finalizing details, Armstrong said.