King County Public Hospital District No.2 (EvergreenHealth) will ask district residents and families to approve $325,000,000 for 1) an extensive seismic retrofit, 2) a family maternity care refresh, 3) relocation of the Critical Care Unit with enhancements to the Silver Tower 4) office buildings and 5) IT. The bulk of the bond will go towards the seismic retrofit.
Regarding the seismic retrofits Laurene Burtonm the hospital's Executive Director of Community Affairs said:
"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 a behavioral health clinic in their bond ask.
For details about the UTGO bond "read more."
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.
No
ReplyDelete