COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – An employee at the Community Health Center of Branch County asked Branch County Commissioners during their work session on Thursday to delay the take over of the hospital by Promedica Health System of Toledo until an issue over early retirement benefits is resolved.
Hospital President and CEO Randy DeGroot said the original asset purchase agreement allowed for access of early retirement benefits but it has been replaced by a joinder agreement and according to the Municipal Employees Retirement System, that access is no longer available.
Hospital employee Terry LaPratt said a technical loophole will prevent 32 employees including himself from drawing early retirement benefits.
He said other hospital employees felt the same way and some were thinking about seeking out legal counsel.
The merger is scheduled to take place January 1st.
Action by Commissioners on various documents necessary for the merger is scheduled to take place later this month.
