Treasurer starts foreclosure process on EORH

Belmont County Treasurer Katherine Kelich initiated foreclosure against East Ohio Regional Hospital after it missed a $33,732. 14 installment on $1. 2 million in delinquent property taxes. The hospital's closure in March left many employees jobless and without owed wages. Kelich noted that the hospital's Chief Financial Officer had inquired about a partial payment, but such arrangements ceased to be an option due to contract violations.

Mayor John Davies of Martins Ferry supported the foreclosure, highlighting potential buyers for the facility. The city previously paid part of the hospital’s debt to ensure the money was correctly allocated. The first step in the foreclosure process involves identifying lien holders on the property. Kelich expressed hope that a new owner would reopen the hospital, which previously closed in 2019 under different ownership. Many former employees have filed a class-action lawsuit against the hospital for failing to provide proper closure notices.