SMC purchases county land for $140K

SMELTERVILLE — On Tuesday morning the Shoshone Board of County Commissioners met with representatives from Shoshone Medical Center to finalize the transfer of property from Shoshone County to SMC.

After several meetings, a little offer and counteroffer action, and some in-depth discussion, SMC agreed to the BOCC’s asking price of $140,000 for the 4.5 acres directly adjacent to their facility in Smelterville.

Over the years, SMC has grown substantially, including their Wellness Center in Smelterville, which now includes SMC Family Medicine, a clinical, primary care center.

“We’ve expanded that clinic facility out to about 6,000 square feet and are on pace to see 5,000 visits this year,” former CEO Jerry Brantz said during a previous meeting.

The BOCC had received an offer of $116,000 from SMC earlier this year to which the BOCC countered with their desired price.

The county had owned 15 total acres of land between the Wellness Center and the sewage treatment ponds prior to the sale.

That land, now roughly 10.5 acres in total, is planned to be potentially parceled out and then put on the market and the funds from this deal will put in the necessary infrastructure to make those new lots ready for commercial purchase.

BOCC chairman Mike Fitzgerald believes the sale to be mutually beneficial for both parties.

“I view the sale as positive on two main fronts,” Fitzgerald said.

The sale of the property to SMC is viewed as a good move. SMC is a strong, locally based provider who has a history and vision to help our community grow. And with the strategy of reinvesting revenues from sale going back into improving the property’s infrastructure, the sale will provide for the highest and best use of the property and add another asset to the Silver Valley in promoting economic growth.”

Jerry Brantz has since retired his position as SMC CEO, however new CEO Paul Lewis couldn’t be reached for further comment.