State auditor calls for delay on vote for Atrium to take control of WakeMed

May 4, 2026 - 02:57

State Auditor Dave Boliek made a public appeal Sunday, urging the Wake County Board of Commissioners to postpone a vote scheduled for Monday that would allow Atrium Health to take control of WakeMed. Boliek's call for a delay adds a new layer of tension to an already contentious proposal.

The auditor's office has raised concerns about the speed of the decision-making process, suggesting that more time is needed to fully evaluate the financial and operational implications of the transfer. Boliek emphasized the need for transparency and due diligence, arguing that a rushed vote could lock the county into a long-term arrangement without adequate public scrutiny.

The proposed takeover has been a subject of debate among local officials and healthcare advocates. Some worry that ceding control of WakeMed, a major public hospital system, to a private entity like Atrium could affect patient costs, service availability, and local governance. Others see the merger as a way to streamline resources and improve care in a competitive market.

Commissioners are expected to proceed with the vote as planned, but Boliek's statement may influence the outcome or prompt further discussion before a final decision is made.