Llano County welcomes new Hospital Authority board member
Dr. Charles M. Franz introduced himself to the Llano County Commissioners Court on Monday, Feb. 13, after being appointed to the Llano County Hospital Authority board. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Dr. Charles M. Franz was appointed to the Llano County Hospital Authority board during the Llano County Commissioners Court’s regular meeting on Monday, Feb. 13. The court also heard a proclamation from the board recognizing former member Jay Ward for his contributions to healthcare in the county and declaring Feb. 13, 2023, Jay Ward Appreciation Day.
Franz expressed his own thanks for “the opportunity to be a part of this community.”
“It’s our home,” he said. “I hope we can have a wonderful hospital here for everybody. We certainly need it.”
He will fill Ward’s vacant position.
The Hospital Authority board represents Llano County residents by overseeing the operation of The MidCoast Medical Center, 200 W. Ollie St. in Llano. The board consists of seven members, four appointed by Llano County commissioners from their respective precincts and three at-large board members appointed by Llano County Judge Ron Cunningham. Franz is one of Cunningham’s appointments.
Franz has 40 years of experience as a practicing family physician and spent 16 years at Ascension in Burnet.
Ward, who recently stepped down from his seat, was not able to attend the meeting and hear Hospital Authority board Secretary Charles Miller read aloud a proclamation recognizing his contributions to the community.
“Jay Ward’s services have been volunteered selflessly and willingly,” Miller said. “He has contributed his time and talents to make a difference in Llano County and to inspire others to be mindful of their responsibilities and accountable to our community.”
Judge Cunningham recognized Ward for his service, citing his contribution to bringing MidCoast to Llano in 2020 after Baylor Scott and White decided not to renew a contract with the hospital.
“He will be sorely missed,” Cunningham said.