County pays Dimensions $3 million

"He followed through on his promise," said John Erzen, a spokesman for Johnson. This is the first set of funds the hospital has received from the county since June.

Johnson and the hospital's management have been at odds over who should lead the health-care system, which includes Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly, Laurel Regional Hospital, Bowie Health Campus, Gladys Spellman Specialty Hospital and Nursing Center in Cheverly, and Larkin Chase Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bowie.

Last June, county officials announced that they would not pay the hospital chain until several board members were replaced.

Dimensions responded by filing a lawsuit against the county, alleging breach of contract.

In September, Dimensions board members dismissed former chairman Calvin Brown and replaced him with William Williams, who dropped the lawsuit as a sign of good faith.

The two groups have been negotiating since.

"It's a good start," said Dimensions spokeswoman Suzanne Almalel of the transfer.

The transfer is just a portion of what hospital officials had claimed they needed to keep the hospital system afloat.

"It was what was asked for at this time," Erzen said.

E-mail Daniel Valentine at dvalentine@gazette.net.