Commissioners approve resolution giving signatory authority for IU Health Jay Hospital integration funds

The Jay County Commissioners approved Resolution 2023‑04 at their June 12 meeting, granting signature authority to the county council and the commissioners’ president for bank transactions tied to a $5 million integration agreement with IU Health.

Jon Vannater, president of IU Health Jay Hospital, told the board that $1.25 million has already been transferred to the Portland Foundation under the integration agreement. Project priorities, drawn from a community health needs assessment, include expanding behavioral health services, enhancing outpatient therapy and completing cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation upgrades. Vannater said physical therapy and rehab projects are complete, cardiac/pulmonary work is underway and outpatient behavioral health remains in the planning stage. IU Health estimated the remaining projects should be finished by the second quarter of 2024.

Commissioners asked for status updates and timelines during the discussion; after review of project status, Commissioner Brian McGalliard moved to approve the joint resolution 2023‑04 and Commissioner Rex Journay seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The minutes do not enumerate specific reporting or oversight requirements tied to the signatory authority; the hospital noted some funds were transferred to the local foundation as part of the integration arrangement.