Panama City - After months of debate, Bay County Commissioners have finally approved the Bay Medical Center lease proposal to Sacred Heart and the LHP Group. But one commissioner is still unhappy about the 40 year deal.

Commissioner George Gainer was the only one to vote against the lease Tuesday morning and he did not hide his dissatisfaction, holding his nose while signing the lease. Last summer Bay Medical Center officials announced the hospital was in severe financial trouble, and pitched the idea of the long-term lease as a way out. So they were pleased with Tuesday’s commission approval, saying it will eliminate Bay Medical's $115 million debt and $10 million in annual interest payments.

"I think there's a certain amount of relief. I think it's been a huge distraction for a number of people a number of months and we quite frankly need to move forward," said Steve Johnson, Bay Medical Center CEO.

Commissioner Guy Tunnell said the decision didn't come easy, but he says he feels confidant in Sacred Hearts abilities.

"They may not have the biggest chunk of the change in this deal, but they have something more important than that. They have something that's invaluable and that's reputation. And I think we can rest on their reputation to do a good job in Bay County," said Guy Tunnell, Bay County Commissioner.

But Commissioner George Gainer did not hesitate to express the same frustrations he's voice throughout this process.

"This has got to be the worst deal I’ve ever seen or known of since I’ve been on this board. While LHP and Sacred Heart have been pleasant enough to deal with, they've been very professional, but each time we've met this deal has been riddled with misrepresentation, lies, and secrets. Raising taxes has never been on the table except to scare the public," said George Gainer, Bay County Commissioner.

"I just think its very unfortunate that commissioner gainer comments trying to raise fear among them was very uncalled for and I think at the end of the day he will be proven wrong," said Johnson.

The joint venture will close the deal on April first. Bay Medical Center's name will change to Bay Medical Center Sacred Heart Health System.