CEO: Renewing tax provides key funds for JeffCo Hospital

June 20--WAURIKA -- Three times in the past, Jefferson County voters have proven their desire to have a local hospital by voting in favor being taxed.

Jane McDowell hopes county residents feel the same way Tuesday, when they go to the polls to decide a county question that is on the menu for the primary election.

In legal lingo, the Proposition reads: Shall a one percent (1%) sales tax be levied and collected for a period of five (5) years upon the gross receipts and gross proceeds derived from all sales within Jefferson County upon which a consumer's sales tax is levied by this state, to be pledged to the Jefferson County Healthcare Authority for the purposes of planning, financing and construction associated with the Jefferson County Hospital or related medical facilities.

Essentially, the CEO of Jefferson County Hospital said, "The tax allows the hospital to remain open. It provides for operations, payroll, capital expenses and other things that come up."

Noting that county residents have favored the proposition in the past, McDowell said, "It's a 1 percent tax based on sales and use (taxes) that has been in effect since August of 1999. We've taken (the tax proposition) back to the voters in 2004 and in 2009.

"I think the people in Jefferson County like having their own hospital, and they've shown it by passing the vote comfortably each time."

The sales tax fluctuates with the general economy, but McDowell noted the revenue realized by the Healthcare Authority amounts to $22,000 to $25,000 each month, approximately $270,000 annually.

"Those funds make the difference for us," she said. "It's the cushion that makes up for the patients who can't pay; the people who are on indigent care or charity care, but who still need medical services.

"Also, in the current healthcare environment, reimbursements have not kept pace with expenses, and the tax funds help us in that way.

"The community has been good about supporting it in the past, and we appreciate that very much."

In Tuesday's election, the sales tax levy proposition appears on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. In addition, independent voters can participate in the county question election via a special ballot that includes only the proposition.

In addition to the healthcare tax issue and a Jefferson County election for County Commissioner in District 3, county Democrats and Republicans will be voting in party primary elections.

Democrats will be voting for the following positions: Superintendent of Public Instruction, an unexpired term for U.S. Senator and a full term for U.S. Representative from District 4.

Republicans will vote for Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Insurance Commissioner, Corporation Commissioner, a full term as U.S. Senator, an unexpired term for U.S. Senator and a full term for U.S. Representative from District 4.

Should there be runoff elections for any of the positions, which would be prompted by a candidate not receiving 50-plus one percent of the vote, the elections will be held Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 4.

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