The Blount County (Tenn.) Commissioners approved a resolution, 11 to 5, that will allow Mayor Ed Mitchell to enter talks with Knoxville-based University of Tennessee Medical Center concerning the future of Blount Memorial Hospital, NBC affiliate WBIR reported March 22.
The resolution allows Mr. Mitchell to negotiate with the Blount Memorial Hospital board for its approval of a management agreement with UT Medical Center.
Blount Memorial recently demanded University of Tennessee "cease and desist" discussions with local officials concerning the takeover of the hospital.
If the mayor and Blount Memorial reach a written agreement, it will need to be brought before the board for approval, according to the report.