UPDATED: The EvergreenHealth Board of Commissioners signed Resolution 859-13 authorizing a .68% increase in the Regular Property Tax Levy for 2014. The 2013 Levy of $15,823,178 will increase $106,999 to $15,930,177 in 2014. In addition, taxpayers will pay $8,733,350 in 2014 for the Excess Property Tax Levy that was passed in May 18, 2004 to serve debt for the Silver Tower and ER.
Allocations to community-based programs increased 2% over last year. 33% of total levy taxes are allocated to community-based programs while the remaining 67% is allocated to debt services in paying off the Silver Tower and campus ER facilities.
Healthline is by far the largest community-based program at $2,133,225. Healthline is the organization's 24/7 nurse triage phone line, physician referral line and call center for health class registrations.
Senior Health for treating patients with dementia and behavioral health is second in dollars allocated at $1,725,951. Community Health Education ($470,500) provides the annual health fair, various educational seminars, safety and wellness classes. CHATT ($392,218) supports clients facing barriers to accessing healthcare services with social workers. Notably, $30,000 is allocated to the three school districts within EvergreenHealth's district. The hospital district supports several other lesser programs.
Reported By Bob Yoder