Our roundabout way of getting to places in Gibraltar. 😊
It is nice to be back home and with a fresh perspective after touring Europe for 16 days. I've decided, even more so, that Redmond needs not just news reporting but a "trouble-maker" (like me) to opine, to bring balance, accountability and government transparency to our community. We deserve more than what the Mayor is delivering right now, especially with regard to King County's push for promised"harm reduction" of homeless housed in our two urban centers.
In the Ives' Administration, Redmond Reporter editor John Huether gave me a monthly column, "City Watch." My first column was published February 14th, 2007: "Tent City moves in at St. Jude." Yes, the homeless problem in Redmond reaches back 17 years, even with affordable housing. Some homeless were being bused in from Texas. If I were to have a column today it would focus on mental health, especially on EvergreenHealth's progress in furthering community behavioral health care and improving the governance process.
My daughter Lexie (LWSD K-12) born at EvergreenHealth is having a baby boy this summer. I'll be writing and "watching" less often and some day leave Redmond altogether to be with my extended family. I'm writing with a sense of urgency in this circle of my life.
I'm standing next to one of many Commissioner Jeffrey Cashman's political signs. The number he staked was enormous. I endorsed both Jeff and his opponent, Amber Wise. I supported Amber.
Mr. Cashman planted his campaign signs heavily throughout Evergreen Public Hospital District No. 2 -- Redmond, Kirkland, Woodinville, Mill Creek, Kenmore, Duval, Sammamish, and parts of Snohomish county. Never has a local candidate spread their political signs so far and wide.
If the residents of EvergreenHealth Public Hospital didn't know they lived in a taxing district they certainly do now.
Currently, residents and landlords are levied ~ 2% / $1,000 appraised property value. Total Levy Revenue in 2022 was $28,556,467.
Do you know how this money is spent? 70% goes towards capital projects, 30% towards programs like referral networks, CHATT, and North Shore Senior Center. The commissioners keep this close to their chest. I learned about the 70% / 30% split at a Board meeting. A full report is forthcoming.
Commissioner Cashman defeated PCC meat-cutter Amber Wise, a union worker and mental health advocate, by roughly 58%.
-- Bob Yoder, 11/9/2023
I was struck with Covid a few days before the election; this, after 6 vax. It hit me very hard.
The proposed North Tower will have 12 floors: 2 underground parking, 1 underground mixed-use, 2 above ground facility and ancillary, 7 inpatient care floors (3 will be left vacant.)
At the EvergreenHealth Commission's May retreat, the V.P. of Operations reviewed the proposed Master Facility Plan projects, including a 12-story North Tower expansion with 255,000 square feet and adding another level of parking to the Central Parking Garage. He also reviewed the bed capacity status and current shortage.
The proposed North Tower would have:
two underground parking floors
1 mixed-use underground floor
2 above ground support and ancillary care floors
7 floors of inpatient care
expanding capacity and modernizing surgical services,
address community health needs for behavioral health services (how?)
increasing seismic resilience
improving Emergency Department capacity,
and improving energy efficiency and environmental stewardship
The V.P. of Operations noted that they are in one of the better places in the greater Seattle
area to serve the public in the event of a large seismic event and
we may be one of few facilities operational.
He stated, " the anticipated UTGO Bond amount is approx.
$798,500,000, and would include a new North Tower. We would plan to buildout 6 of the 9 floors in the new North Tower to start and keep the remaining 3 floors for future expansion as needs arise or change. The levers used to achieve break-even Net Income over the 10-year proforma period were labor and overhead."
It was noted the UTGO BOND would equate to a tax rate of $.13 per $1,000 of assessed value (or $156.24 incremental tax increase per year for a $1.2M home in Kirkland, which is the 2023 median assessed home value). (However, 2024 King County appraisals for homes are reduced by ~ 20% from 2023. Thus, the hospital commissioners will probably launch the bond measure in 2024.)
Additionally, it was noted that the public hospital district taxes are 2.1% of the entire King County levy.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Paul Hess, Kenmore resident, asked if EvergreenHealth has implemented lean organizational strategies, noting that it will help close the gap. Additionally, he spoke about the Foundation, how their staff report to EvergreenHealth, and hopes that no Foundation funding will be used for a UTGO Bond. He also spoke critically about how he and other District residents pay taxes to fund the hospital but don’t use the services, while others who don’t pay taxes to fund the hospital use the services.
EvergreenHealth's current levy is ~2% of King County's property tax. A levy lid-lift may be proposed November of 2024.
EvergreenHealth's Board of Seven Commissioners have the final say on the distribution of levy funds each year, with recommendations of a standing levy committee.
30% of the Levy is allocated to "programs." The remaining 70% is allocated to "capital expenditures." Many of the levy-supported programs specifically address the special needs of under-served and high-risk community members, most of the programs are for use by the entire community. Capital expenditures often go towards funding instruments, labs, EPIC "My Chart," infrastructure and the like.
2023 Levy Program Directory:
Supporting Students in Crisis
EvergreenHealth provides social workers to Lake Washington School District high schools to assess students with high-risk behaviors and mental health concerns for free. The EvergreenHealth social workers meet with students 1:1, conduct groups, provide support to parents, and coordinate with school officials to keep students safe and connected to community providers. In 2021, our social workers helped 401 high school students during mental health crises.
High School Mental Health Therapists
Community funds also help the Northshore School District provide students access to mental health counselors. They meet individually and in small groups to address student needs. Supportive resources are also made available to students grieving the loss of a loved one. In 2021, our therapists served 1,264 students and responded to 47 crisis visits.
Youth Mental Health First Aid
EvergreenHealth's free Youth Mental Health First Aid training provides educators, coaches and other volunteers who work with students the tools to help adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis or addiction challenge.
Participants are taught how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and crises, what to say and how to talk with someone, and how to refer to professional resources for help.
[NAMI Eastside and LWSD also provide free Youth Mental Health First Aid training. I took it - great program]
STEM Global Health Education Partnership
EvergreenHealth partners with our local school districts to give students the opportunity to learn about global health initiatives through job shadowing, attending Grand Rounds and hearing from guest speakers. These kinds of partnerships give students the opportunity to immerse themselves early on in learning about careers in science, health care and so many other industries.
Community Health Needs
EvergreenHealth Nurse Navigator & Healthline
In 2021, our 24/7 Nurse Navigator & Healthline served more than 108,000 calls from our community for free, helping you with scheduling, referrals and answering those health-related questions even Google can't help with.
Healthline played a pivotal role in 2021, connecting thousands of neighbors with accurate information on COVID-19 and pandemic resources. More than 50,000 callers received nursing triage advice, getting help with home remedies for common ailments as well as diagnostic support for various illnesses.
EvergreenHealth's Community Health Education Services provided more than 790 community-funded classes and programs in 2021. Roughly 4,300 community members participated, taking the opportunity to enrich their lives with the kind of lessons only we can teach. As a community-owned health system, our curriculum and programs look to address the diverse needs of our region while building a sense of community for you and your neighbors around common interests.
The Gene & Irene Wockner freestanding hospice center has 15 beds and serves hospice patients in King and Snohomish counties. It is the only hospice center in both counties and provides you or your loved ones with short-term acute care, with the goal of discharging home once symptoms have been stabilized.
Commissioners are elected to 6-year terms! The incumbent has been at EvergreenHealth for 47 years. Is that long enough? We need a leader with a fresh perspective, who's a good listener and a community neighbor who will reach out to us! Vote for Katie.
Katie Grainger is endorsed by the LD 48 Democrats and the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington state.
Katie Grainger
Nice to meet you. I'm Katie Grainger. I'm the first in my family to do many things and that now includes running for office.
I never thought I'd have the courage to do something like this, but then I was diagnosed at 28 with an autoimmune disease. I lost my best friend at 30 to a rare cancer. I developed a rare renal condition at 31. Since then, I've served as a volunteer ambassador for the Sjogren's Foundation, and I've lobbied on behalf of the Sarcoma Foundation of America.
All of these experiences motivated me to work in healthcare. Having worked in clinical care operations for the third-largest non-profit health system in the United States, I see both the challenges facing healthcare and possibilities for reform.
I know firsthand the struggles of navigating a system that is not always affordable or accessible. I continue to be an advocate for health by promoting awareness for autoimmune diseases and fundraising for cancer research. I don't need to be the medical expert in the room to provide governance that positively impacts my community.
I intend to help make healthcare better for all Americans and that starts with impacting decisions made at the local level as Public Hospital (EvergreenHealth) Commissioner for District 2.
Incumbent Chuck Pilcher, District #4 retired in 2010 after 36 years of service in the Emergency Department at EvergreenHealth. We've discussed mental health at Public Meetings several times. He's numb to psychiatric care services. Sadly, there are no full time community psychiatrists or Advanced Nurse Practitioners at Evergreen, this at a time when we need them the most.
During the EvergreenHealth Public Hearing of November 15th, 2019 the seven commissioners voted unanimously to approve a 2020 Regular Tax Levy of $19,311,562 (Resolution No. 907-19.)
An Excess Proper Tax Levy authorized for 2019 for repayment of UTGO bonds is $8,292,000 for calendar year 2020 was approved (Resolution No. 907-19.) These bonds are the residual of a bond measure passed by 60% years ago to pay for the Silver Tower and new Emergency Department.
The 5K "National Alliance For The Mentally Ill" Walk to "bust stigma"
supports in part, EvergreenHealth's goal to build an outpatient mental health clinic
When voting on EvergreenHealth's Prop. 1 measure you may not be aware of a hidden gem in this bond. Our elected officials (commissioners) decided to build an outpatient mental health clinic if we pass the bond!
The need is definitely there. According to the "National Institute of Mental Health":
One in 25 have a serious mental health illness like bipolar, eating disorders, major depression and severe anxiety.
Only 41% of adults in the U.S. with a mental health condition received mental health services in the past year. Among adults with a serious mental illness, 62.9% received mental health services in the past year.
Just over half (50.6%) of children with a mental health condition aged 8-15 received mental health services in the previous year
Suicide is now the Number 2 killer of our teens.
So please know Prop. 1 is more than seismically retrofitting Evergreen's oldest buildings and upgrading the 1985 Critical Care Unit. It's also about "the forgotten people" -- our mentally challenged residents and their families crying for care.
EvergreenHealth residents participated in the 5K NAMI Walk to support mental health care
On August 6, 2019, residents in our district will vote on Proposition 1, to fund a $345 million general obligation bond measure.
The Bond has five main areas of focus, including:
Primarily a critical safety project, with over 60% allocated to seismically retrofit our oldest buildings and replace aging 1970s-era infrastructure in the core of the hospital. In the event of a major disaster, this is critical for EvergreenHealth to continue to function and serve the community.
Relocate and upgrade our Critical Care Unit so patient rooms will be able to accommodate vital modern equipment and technology.
**Construct a medical building for programs such as outpatient mental health.
Upgrade and expand our Family Maternity Center.
Provide life-saving medical equipment, technology and facility upgrades to support these projects, and poise our organization for ever-evolving technology and the next generation of care.
"Since 1972, our community has embraced EvergreenHealth as the Eastside’s public hospital district, supporting our organization’s evolution every step of the way, as we strive to meet the growing needs of our patients and enrich the health and well-being of every life we touch.
We thank the residents of our district for their forward-looking vision over the past 47 years and continued partnership in helping us meet the ever evolving needs of our growing community through though this bond initiative."
In thinking about the $345M EvergeenHealth 20-year bond, I can accept a need for seismic updates, a new critical care unit and enhanced maternity center but why couldn’t they tease out a million dollars for psychiatric care for which we have none? A million dollars could pay for an out-patient psychiatric clinic in one or more key district cities like Kenmore. Overhead for these clinics is lower than urgent care facilities which need expensive equipment like ultrasound and more extensive infrastructure. Full service psychiatric nurses can perform just as a psychiatrist but at half the cost. Evergreen has significant revenue and should be able to pay for these nurses, just as they do for nurses at their urgent cares. It appears, money spent enhancing the maternity center (which we already have) makes the $345 bond more palatable than mental health care. This saddens me. One in five Americans have a mental health condition according to the National Institute of Mental Health. As our community hospital, EvergreenHealth should take care of them. All said and done, I will vote "YES" on Proposition 1 because I feel the expense is very low considering all that we are getting; and I want to support our community hospital.
As for the LWSD Capital Bond Levy, I will be voting "YES" for all the right reasons. My only concern is about the money we are dumping into 11 of our schools for geothermal heating. Yes, geothermal is a wonderful thing but the payback period is 35 years for a 75-year school. I wish I could be more excited about paying for all these valuable improvements coming to our schools and the hospital. In voting "YES" I feel passing these measures significantly moves our community forward during these critical times. Please vote. -- Bob Yoder
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On King County's "Localscape" I ran the numbers to find my 2019 tax from the proposed LWSD and EvergreeHealth public hospital measures, Simply enter your address. Also, find your 2019 taxes for the library, sound transit, port, flood control, city, county and other jurisdictions. https://localscape.spatialest.com/#kingcountyassessor/Tax
I learned my current 2019 tax is $5989.01
Based on 2018 property values, the LWSD Capital Bond Levy would cost me $196.04.
My 2018 LWSD local taxes cost $1735. Thus, my total local taxes if Proposition 1 passes is $1931.04. Approximately $196.00 will be levied for six years. If you have questions e-mail Shannon Parthemer at sparthemer@lwsd.org
Based on 2018 property values, the EvergreenHealth Proposition 1 Bond would cost me $121.68/year
My current 2019 property tax is $197. Current capital bonds debt retirement is $60.77. Thus, my total EvergreenHealth tax for 2019 after Proposition 1 is $257/year. If you have questions call Laurene Burton at 425.899.2667.
Results: Proposition #1-- Replacement Education and Operations Levy YES by 65% of vote
Results: Proposition #2-- Replacement of Existing Capital Projects Levy YES by 55% of vote
Results: $299M Bond --- 54% Yes; 46% No; 60% supermajority required NO by 6%
My King County state property taxes increased 18% this year. My Education Hill home is 2020 sf.
FACTOIDS:
EvergreenHealth is a public hospital district: Their tax represents 3.3% of total King County property taxes or $200.42/ year.
ST-3 is a Transit tax. Their tax represents 2.3% of King County property taxes or $140/year.
EvergreenHealth King County Distict #2 assesses a small annual levy (.30/$1000) on King County private property owners to fund community programs for growth and and health and wellness. The total 2013 Regular Property Levy for EvergreenHealth King County District #2 was $15,190,664 and is broken down into: 1)Regular levy for Debt Service = $ 10,970,493.65 and 2) Levy for Community Programs = $ 4,220,170.45. So what do we get for our money? Laurene Burton, Administrative Director at EvergreenHealth (Hospital) provided the following answers: "2013 Bond proceeds of $10,970,493.65 are used to pay costs of acquiring, construction, remodeling and equipping the Districts’ health care facilities and have been used for:
·Constructing the Evergreen Surgery and Physicians Center (ESPC) ·Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the ESPC ·Completing improvements to the inpatient services areas within the hospital ·Remodeling certain areas of the hospital ·Acquiring and installing equipment ·Acquiring and installing clinical and administrative IT ·Constructing the DeYoung Pavilion ·Acquiring equipment and furnishings for the DeYoung Pavilion.
2013 Levy for Community Programs totalled $4,220,170.45 and pays for the following:
Community Advisors: A group of Board appointed individuals representing the public hospital district region that provide input to Evergreen and the Board of Commissioners. $17,000
Community Health Education: Offers comprehensive outcome-based programs for individuals within our community aimed at promoting health, wellness and injury prevention within the framework of the organization's strategic goals, leading health indicators and objectives. $554,499
Community Healthcare Access Team (CHAT):Healthcare Access: Supports clients facing barriers to accessing healthcare services. Needs are assessed by social workers and clients are connected to financial, social and primary or specialty health resources in the community. $382,426
Northshore Senior Center: Programs that receive funding: Evergreen Enhance Wellness Program and Adult Day Health. In addition funding to support Senior services in Kirkland provided by NSC. All programs provided mental health support for older adults and may decrease length of hospital stay.$127,500
Senior Health Specialists: A dedicated healthcare team providing specialized complex care for elders who are frail and have multiple medical conditions, including expert assessment and treatment of dementia with behavioral health problems.$1,471,000
Community Grief and Bereavement:Professional bereavement staff supports Evergreen patients, staff, individuals and families in the community facing anticipated death and/or following the death of a loved one. Services include consultation, counseling, education, referrals and support groups, including support to children and teens, sudden traumatic and perinatal loss. $140,000
Healthline: Healthline is a multi-service department of providing 24/7 nurse triage, physician referrals, class registration, centralized scheduling along with additional support services for various hospital departments.$1,724,000
City of Kirkland: The Kirkland Senior Council provides advocacy for the senior population and distribution of educational materials; Kirkland Steppers is an organized physical activity program for seniors. $8,000
Community Health Initiative: Working with Lake Washington, Northshore and Riverview School Districts, establish immunizations programs for underserved children. $15,000"
UPDATED 11/13/2012: Correction: On November 9th, the Commission voted to approve a $154,982 (2.1%) Regular Levy increase totaling $15,822,629 for 2013.
The Evergreen Health Hospital Budget Hearing and Educational Session will take place on Friday, November 9th at 7:00 a.m. in Tan 250 of the Physicians and Surgeons Building. The Board of Commissioners will be approving the most recent allocation of General Obligation Bonds from King County which aligns with the most recent taxation. According to Laurene Burton, Government Affairs, the Commisssion is not voting on any proposals or increases to the 2013 Regular Property Tax Levy itself. The public is invited to sit in on the Educational Session and speak at the Budget Hearing.
The Hearing offers the public an opportunity to give input into how Regular levy dollars are allocated for expenditure and to learn where the hospital spends it's $15,285,968 levy funds to promote community health and wellness. Currently, 74% of the regular levy monies are allocated to paying debt service for growth and 26% for "health and wellness." The 24-hour nurse line is one program Evergreen provides - similar to many health insurer programs. Some citizens want to see more funding for "hands-only" cardiac resuscitation.
The Board will vote to fund the $9,242,180 General Obligation bond excess levy to pay down a $112.7M bond approved by voters on November 10, 2004. The bond raises money to pay for Evergreen Hospital's Emergency Department in Kirkland and the Silver Tower surgical aftercare beds.
The Board of Commissioners raised the Regular Property Tax Levy 1% in 2012, 2.1% in 2011 and 1.7% in 2010. Commissioners Greenfield and Hirt are up for re-election in 2013. The Commission accepts public comment on the 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Public Meeting Room, Tan #250.
By Bob Yoder
King County Public Hospital District No. 2, was established in 1972 to serve citizens in north King and south Snohomish counties. Registered voters in District number 155,154 (2010). Serving more than 400,000 citizens every year and three school districts, the District operates a 290-bed hospital and a network of primary and urgent care centers. Evergreen Healthcare district boundaries include Bothell, Duvall, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Woodinville, part of Sammamish and parts of unincorporated northeast King County. The District’s specialties include a maternity center, a cancer center, hospice and home health care, 24-hour emergency care, a critical care unit, cardiac care and surgical services.
In early July, the State Auditor's Office gave the Evergreen Administration notice of a 2010 Accountability Audit including the Levy.
This triggered the Board to take action on key Levy items in their July 6, Board meeting. The Minutes state, "Commissioner Pilcher is concerned about oversight of levy-funded services and would like to see that strengthened."
Commissioner Greenfield commented "that levy programs should be able to answer the questions of how they are making the community healthier, what is the measure and rate of change, and are they supporting the strategic objectives of Evergreen?"
Commissioner Hirt commented, "that while the number of beneficiaries is important, program effectiveness is also key." Ms. Hirt is taking a more active role on the Levy Committee.
Ms. Laurene H. Burton, Administrative Director,* presented the draft of a new "Levy Committee Charter" on July 19, 2011. The Charter bolsters oversight of the Levy by identifying and formalizing the Levy Committee purpose, composition, responsibilities and duties. The Commission was operating without a Levy Charter up until July, 2011. Read More >>
R. August Kempf, Commission Pos 3
Represents Redmond / Sammamish
Editor's Note: In the October 2, 2011 election Mr. Kempf won 98% of the vote. Commissioner August Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help Evergreen resolve problematic annual state audits. Should Commissioner Kempf oversee Evergreen Healthcare for another six years?
Evergreen Hospital is a property-tax supported county hospital. $24,153,945 in levy monies were collected last year from Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothel, Duvall and other district property owners. Most tax dollars fund debt service for growth; a modicum goes to "community healthline services."
"Five publicly elected hospital commissioners have the ultimate responsibility and accountability for the Evergreen district. Citizens entrust their elected commissioners to approve major financial decisions and provide legal oversight of Evergreen." But, do they?
R. August "Auggie" Kempf is an incumbent, running unopposed this year. He's an 11 year commissioner for Evergreen Hospital and he's asking the electorate for another 6 years on November 8. If you live in Redmond or Sammamish, "Auggie" is your designated representative. He runs an insurance, investment and financial planning firm in Redmond with probably the most financial skill sets of the five commissioners. Mr. Kempf attended seven "Audit and Finance Committee Meetings" last year - more than four commissioners.
Mr. Kempf's financial expertise hasn't appeared to help the hospital pass annual state audits. The State Auditor's Office (SAO) charged Evergreen in recent years with twice the serious audit "Findings," of Lake Washington School District and City of Redmond combined. 2009 was not a good year either. The SAO reported 3 findings:
the hospital was paying contracted staff hourly rates almost double their employed nurses. SAO recommendations to reduce contracted nurses resulted in an estimated $7.5 million in savings.
Evergreen collected $1.8 million in cash (deli, pharmacy, gift shop) in 2008. SAO findings: internal control weakness increase risk of misappropriation. Status to be reviewed in 2010 audit.
"Evergreen Healthcare did not comply with competitive bid laws on two projects totalling $1,223,856 in 2008. In 2009 the SAO determined corrective actions were taken.
The more distant Audit History during Mr. Kempf's tenure is equally poor: Read More >>
