EvergreenHealth to put $325 million bond initiative on April ballot

King County Public Hospital District No.2 (EvergreenHealth medical center) will ask district residents and families to pony up $325,000,000 for 1) an extensive seismic retrofit, 2) a family maternity care refresh and 3) relocation of critical care, with enhancements, to the Silver tower. The bulk of bond monies will go to the seismic retrofit.

Regarding the seismic retrofits Laurene Burton, the hospital's Executive Director of Community Affairs says:

"Our goal is to not just be safe, but to be available when the region needs us most and be open and ready to care immediately for patients in our community and beyond, in the event of a catastrophic earthquake." 

"In 2004 when we went to the voters to build the Emergency Department safety was paramount. We have been good stewards of your tax dollars.  Through these seismic upgrades, we will provide the safest environment for our entire community from our tiniest babies to those in critical care."

The Board of Commissioners decided not to include an inpatient  psychiatric hospital and outpatient psychiatric clinic in their bond ask.  EvergreenHealth is the only Eastside hospital that doesn't employ a psychiatrist or full-service psychiatric nurse practitioner. 


In 2019 they plan to use donations from their 2016 Gala fundraiser to install a "Transitional Medical Care Center."  Ms. Burton says "the center will provide medical care for those individuals that present with mental health issues, in the Emergency Department, and have a medical necessity requiring hospitalization."  Ms. Burton said the installation was delayed three years owing to their not finding contractors wanting to bid the small job and hang-ups with the Department of Health. 

 -- Bob Yoder

READ MORE for details about the UTGO bond
UTGO Information:
    • Unlimited tax general obligation (UTGO) bonds (also called voted debt) must be approved by 60% of the voters, with a voter turnout equal to at least 40% of those who voted in the most recent general election. When the voters are being asked to approve the issuance of these bonds, they are simultaneously asked to approve an excess levy which raises their property taxes to cover the debt service payments. UTGO bonds can be used only for capital purposes. Replacement of equipment is not a permitted use (RCW 84.52.056). For more information, see Overview of Voter Approval Requirements for UTGO Bonds by Foster Pepper PLCC.


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