PLATTE COUNTY – Many rural parts of this state struggle to obtain quality healthcare – in Platte County we do not share in that struggle. Between medical clinics, a local eye doctor, dentists, chiropractors and physical therapists, Platte County is fortunate to have the care that we do. This care also includes the hospital and nursing home, which are the subject of this piece.
In sticking with my series of columns dedicated to informing the public about boards of the county, I chose to focus on two this week: the Hospital District Board and the Hospital Foundation Board. Both of those boards are pivotal in the success of those facilities, but each serves a distinct purpose. In the event someone knows there are two district boards, often times they confuse the purposes of those unique boards. Today, I hope to clarify some of that confusion.
Hospital District Board
Established in 2003, the district board is comprised of seven members who each serve four-year terms. Those members are elected by the public during each general election, which is held in November in even-numbered years. The district board was established for the purpose of operating the hospital and nursing home. The hospital, named Platte County Hospital, was once owned by Platte County, but was given to the district board in 2018. Although the county owned the building, management and oversight of that building was tasked to a board of directors appointed by the county commissioners. Once the district board was approved by voters, the county commissioners opted to give that management oversight to the district board. The board previously tasked with that oversight was transformed into the Hospital Foundation Board, which I will discuss below. Today, the district board leases the hospital to Banner Health, who is tasked with medical management of the facility, but the district board is ultimately responsible for the building itself.
In 2012, voters of Platte County authorized the county to collect twelve million dollars ($12,000,000) in a Specific Purpose Excise Tax (SPET). The purpose of that tax collection was for the district board to construct the Platte County Legacy Home. The 49,947 square foot facility was opened in 2016. It has 50 nursing home beds and 16 assisted living beds. Although the district board oversees the facility, they entrust day-to-day operations to its administrator and management team. For more information about the facility, I encourage you to visit their website at www.pcmnh.com.

Although the Hospital District Board collects a lease payment from Banner Health for use of the hospital, and charges “rent” to the residents of the Legacy Home, the district board does utilize property taxes to ensure the facilities remain open. The district board is authorized to levy up to three mills on all lands located within Platte County for the purpose of operating and maintaining Platte County Hospital and the Legacy Home. The district board is authorized to request an additional three mills (for a maximum of six mills) by a favorable vote of the public, but that request was not authorized by voters in 2022.
Given the district board’s ability to levy taxes, their board of directors must be elected by the public. As such, those interested in serving on the district board must file for office, which generally takes place in August of even-numbered years, with the county clerk. After filing, that individual will be placed on the general election ballot. To serve, you must be a resident of Platte County, over the age of 18, and have full voting rights. For more information about serving on the board, the clerk’s office publishes a proclamation of election prior to each election. That proclamation is available in the Platte County Record-Times as well as on the County’s website. Remember, there is no general election in 2025, so you will have to wait a full year before a proclamation of general election is available.
Hospital Foundation Board
As I stated above, this seven-member board was once tasked with oversight of the hospital and nursing home owned by Platte County. Once the district board was formed, and that oversight authority was shifted to them, the County Commissioners retooled the board to become the Hospital Foundation Board. The purpose of the foundation board is simple – serve as the fundraising arm of the hospital and Legacy Home to improve quality of life at each facility.
The foundation board hosts a series of fundraising events to ensure they can fund those items that the district board feels are outside of their scope or that they need help in funding. At the Legacy Home, the foundation board has been able to purchase a popcorn machine, soft serve ice cream machine, blanket warmer, haircuts for residents comfort pets and educational assistance for Legacy Home staff – just to name a few. At Platte County Hospital, the foundation board has been able to purchase an IV pump in the emergency room, a ventilator for an ambulance, educational assistance for hospital staff as well as providing funding for the emergency department remodel. All of those were possible due to the numerous fundraisers planned and organized by the Hospital Foundation Board.
In March, the foundation board just hosted their Cajun Night dinner – a tradition that began in 2011. This year, the foundation board was able to raise a total of $17,889 thanks to the generous donations and attendance of the public. After expenses, the foundation board was able to net a total of $16,439.98 – a tremendous fundraiser organized by a volunteer foundation board. Among other things, the funds will assist in the purchase of bariatric mattresses at the Legacy Home. Although the district board is responsible for bidding and purchasing the mattresses, the foundation board provides a significant portion of the funding to do so. The two boards have a remarkable partnership to ensure residents of the Legacy Home continue to receive a high level of care.
The foundation board is appointed by the county commissioners. The seven-members of the foundation board each serve five-year terms – a lot to ask of volunteers. But those foundation board members excel in their mission and the County could not be more grateful. The current board members are Lauren Nordeen (Chairwoman), Julie Minear, Denise Seale, Jacquie Whitney, Anna Gunter, Shannon Durick and Christina Lambert. No mention of that board would be complete without recognizing the efforts of Bobbie Lockman and Lori Modesitt who worked tirelessly for years to ensure the foundation board become as successful as it is today.
Those interested in serving on the foundation board you can always reach out to the County Clerk’s Office to get a board member application or go online to https://www.plattecountywyoming.com/boards-members.