Residents of Oktibbeha voted Tuesday not to sell Starkville, Miss.-based OCH Regional Medical Center, according to the Clarion Ledger.
The county spent roughly $300,000 to convince residents selling the hospital would be in the county's best interest. However, roughly 59 percent of voters rejected the sale, while 41 percent said they were in favor of the proposed deal.
While selling the facility is no longer an option, hospital officials may still consider affiliating with a larger hospital or health system, the report states.
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors revealed Memphis, Tenn.-based Baptist Memorial Health Care, Tupelo-based North Mississippi Health Services and others expressed interest in buying the facility early last month. However, the board said both health systems were more interested in buying OCH Regional than engaging in a long-term lease of the facility with the option to purchase.