Question of MedLink Building Ownership Settled in Bowman

By David Stephens, WSGC Radio, Elberton

In Elbert County, the question of who owns the MedLink building in Bowman is now settled.

Bowman City Mayor Pete Gibbons said in a recent meeting that Bowman owns the original building, but about 15 year ago, Ty Cobb Healthcare added an addition.

“So now we have a situation where the city of Bowman owns the original standing building and Ty Cobb owns the newer part of the building and land surrounding it. We at least have the ownership of that (original building) no longer in question,” said Gibbons. “We will continue to work with MedLink and Ty Cobb to make sure we have a beneficial partnership.”

The town had been working for most of the summer to figure out who actually owned the building, the City of Bowman or Ty Cobb Healthcare.

Bowman paid for the building some time ago using a community block grant, and the one of the stipulations of that grant was that the city could not sell or release the building for twenty years.

But at a September city council meeting, Councilwoman Betty Jo Maxwell said at one point, Ty Cobb Healthcare had asked the city to donate the building, which she said the city never agreed to.

When asked last week if Bowman city fathers have any interest in selling or turning over part of the building to MedLink, Gibbons said all options will be considered.

“We’ve had several talks with MedLink to express that, and MedLink has shown an eagerness to stay in our community”, said Gibbons. “They’ve been a great partner over the years and they definitely provide a great service to our community.”

Gibbons said town officials will continue to ensure its citizens have access to the medical services offered by MedLink.