MONROE, N.C. (AP) -- A cash-strapped North Carolina county is pursing efforts to sell its county-owned hospital.
The Charlotte Observer reported Thursday that Union County commissioners are exploring a possible sale of the hospital in Monroe, which has an appraised value of more than $200 million. The county's debt is nearing $700 million over the next five years.
Commission Chairwoman Kim Rogers says officials also would consider renegotiating the lease for Carolinas Medical Center-Union with Charlotte-based Carolinas HealthCare Systems. The lease runs through August 2020, complicating a potential sale.
A consultant says Carolinas Health rival, Novant Health, also has expressed interest in buying the hospital.
