A development agreement is now in place for a new multi-million dollar healthcare facility in Emporia.
During their regular action meeting Wednesday, city commissioners approved the agreement that has been in development for several months now between the city and Stormont Vail Health which is looking to construct a new medical office building on a 17 acre tract between Roads 180 and G. The agreement includes a six-year prohibition on ambulatory surgical services, a major concern expressed by citizens and representatives of Newman Regional Health since the start of discussions back in 2023.
On that subject, Mayor Erren Harter noted that this does not mean Stormont will be able to construct such a facility once that prohibition expires; it simply means the matter will then be revisited. With that in mind, KVOE News asked Harter what factors he thinks would need to fall in place for the commission to approve an ambulatory facility in the future.
He responded, saying several factors would have to be considered, some that are known and others that are too far into the future to know, adding that the health care world could look far different in six years.
In addition to the six-year prohibition on ambulatory services, the agreement also states that Stormont will fund and build all on-site infrastructure improvements, conduct a traffic study, build a new city street and storm water improvements between the new complex and the DeBauge Family Sports Complex immediately to the east and will contribute $250,000 towards future street and storm water improvements to the 18th and G intersection. Also, per the agreement, the city has committed to reviewing and processing development applications in good faith and to collaborating on public infrastructure plans.
Representatives of both Newman and Stormont were in attendance for Wednesday’s meeting and declined a recorded interview. However, Newman CEO Cathy Pimple later issued the following statement: “On behalf of Newman Regional Health, I want to extend our sincere thanks for the tremendous outpouring of support we have received over the past almost two years. Your letters, calls, conversations, and presence have made it clear just how deeply you value local community-based healthcare and just how much this hospital means to the people we serve. Thank you for standing with us. We remain committed to moving forward together, focused on building a healthier future for all.”
Shortly after, Stormont Vail released the following statement: ” Stormont Vail Health would like to thank the Emporia City Commission for their support and approval of the development agreement as we move forward with the construction of our new medical facility. For more than 30 years, we have been committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the Emporia community. This new facility will give us a great location for our 85 employees, including 16 providers, to continue to deliver the best in care for the more than 15,000 Lyon County residents we serve. This agreement reflects a shared vision for growth and investment in the economic vitality of Emporia. We look forward to continued collaboration with local leaders, partners, and the community as we move forward with this project.”
Before commissioners took action on the agreement Wednesday, City Manager Trey Cocking offered his praise to all involved in the matter noting it has not been an easy process. In fact, as part of his comments Wednesday, Cocking stated that over the course of his better than two decades in public service this has been the “Hardest policy issue I have faced in my time.”
When asked what made the issue so difficult in his opinion, Cocking stated it was the fact that both sides of the argument had “Great merits.”
During her comments Wednesday, commissioner Becky Smith acknowledged that there has been a large amount of debate and contention expressed from both sides of the issue over the last near two years. With that in mind, she stated that with this matter now concluded, she hopes everyone, regardless of their stance on the topic, can move forward together for the betterment of the community.
It is important to note, approval of Wednesday’s agreement does not mean approval to begin construction. That will either be given or denied at the commission’s next regular action meeting on June 18, when commissioners will consider a final plat for the property.
In other business Wednesday, commissioners approved a contract with TESSERE of Wichita for a nearly $6 million remodel and expansion project of Fire Station 2 at 15th and Industrial. In a separate, yet related item, commissioners also approved a preliminary architectural design contract for the current Fire Station 1 space inside William L. White Auditorium.
Cocking noted during this agenda item that no plans have been made for the space which is set to be vacated once the new fire department headquarters is completed, this is simply the first step towards creating those plans.
Commissioners also approved signing an agreement with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, and Sacred Heart Church for the city to abandon a utility easement over a waterline on Cottonwood between First and Second, along with a related ownership transfer from the city to the church as the parish continues early work towards a new school building.
Separately, commissioners approved establishing a new stormwater utility ERU (Equivalent Residential Unit) structure to build a dedicated revenue stream for stormwater improvements. Commissioners also approved an update to its ordinance on chickens within the city limits.
Both of these items were approved 4-1, with Commissioner Susan Brinkman serving as the lone no vote.
In study matters, commissioners discussed a new art installation in White Memorial Park to be created by Wichita-based artist Kate Pepper with assistance from Mitchell-Markowitz Construction and held their first conversation on the 2026 budgeting process.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene on Wednesday, June 18, at 11 am inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
