THOMASVILLE — Participation was light but favorable during Monday’s public hearing regarding a resolution to approve the issuance of Hospital Authority of the City of Thomasville revenue bonds.

These tax-exempt bonds — or revenue anticipation certificates — are not to exceed $95 million and are for the benefit of John D. Archbold Memorial Hospital Inc.

The hearing was held during a regular Thomasville City Council meeting and, after its close, the council unanimously approved the resolution.

Approximately 25 people were in attendance at the hearing but only four spoke.

Glenn Thomson, bond counsel, advised issuance required a public hearing and approval by a government body with jurisdiction over the area where the project being paid for by the bonds is located.

The purpose of the certificates or bonds, according to the resolution, is “to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, the costs of the acquisition, construction and equipping of certain healthcare and related facilities including an addition to the main hospital building located at 915 Gordon Avenue.”

This “addition” is the North Tower, slated to include an expanded emergency department, expanded operating rooms, a new intensive care unit, and replacement of the hospital’s central energy plant.

“This will provide funding necessary for the North Tower project at Archbold,” Perry Mustian, Archbold Medical Center president and chief executive officer, said during the hearing.

“In order for Archbold to remain competitive and attract employees in the future, the North Tower is absolutely necessary. We will be replacing critical infrastructure, areas that are outdated or undersized and were not designed for the way healthcare is delivered today.”

The CEO said the North Tower will also be the “largest single construction program” in the community’s history and bring in jobs, as well as engage as many local vendors as possible.

Rick Singletary, hospital authority chair, said a project like the North Tower is “great” and one that was looked at years ago, but put off due to an unfavorable bond market at the time.

He said this project will help lay the foundation of local healthcare for the next 50 years.

The resolution also includes “the renovation and remodeling of the main hospital lobby and certain other hospital facilities.”

David Wilder, attorney for the hospital authority, said the issuance would not create any personal liability to the city, county or taxpayers.

Mayor Camille Payne is pleased the hospital is moving forward with the project.

“I feel like it will be an asset to the city and will be another way that Archbold shows its willingness to invest in Thomasville,” she said Tuesday.