With employees watching, county commissioners on Monday evening adopted an intent to sell the county’s home health agency – operated through the Davie County Health Department.

None of the 15-20 employees at the meeting spoke about the change, and many left before county commissioners gave their comments about the situation. County Manager Mike Ruffin cited the Affordable Care Act and other changes in health care delivery that is causing the county to lose more than $300,000 per year providing home health services.

Ruffin said the county has identified 11 potential buyers, and all will receive requests to bid for the agency. He promised to keep staff and patients informed. Bids will be opened Aug. 25, and he will meet with employees in mid-September.

“Patients are coming first, and you are a very high priority, too,” he told the employees.

Later in the meeting, commissioners spoke.

“When we initiated this process, my thoughts and ideas were: 1, we do not interrupt services to the people; 2, we attempt as best we can to take care of our staff; and 3, that we have some type of contact entity within Davie County,” said Commissioner Mark Jones.

“Health care is evolving and we’re having to adapt the best we can,” said Commissioner Dan Barrett.