Two-year levy crucial to McKay's future
Voters to decide Nov. 2
SOAP LAKE — A proposed two-year levy is on the ballot for voters in Grant County Hospital District No. 4.
If passed, the levy would increase property taxes within the hospital district by 73 cents on every $1,000 of assessed value.
The hospital district, which operates McKay Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Soap Lake, also includes Wilson Creek, Marlin and Coulee City.
Supporters say the levy funds would go directly towards paying off money owed to the county while continuing day-to-day operations of health care facilities.
Levy dollars would allot a minimum of $150,00 each year for two years which, in combination with state funded ProShare monies, would pay for most of the more than $500,00 debt that McKay owes.
"It is critical that everyone vote on this issue," said McKay interim administrator Mary Prentice who wants voters to understand the impact this could have if McKay were to close.
"Having a nursing home here makes it convenient for Soap Lake residents so they don't have to leave town to get the care they need," she added.
McKay offers services such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, as well as blood pressure testing to patients in outlying areas.
The 42-bed nursing home became short of funds when it did not receive expected ProShare dollars last year.
State officials have assured McKay a minimum of $100,000 in ProShare funds, said George Sharp with the Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development. Those funds are expected to be distributed in December and June.
"We are not getting further in debt and we are still able to offer care," Prentice said.
For those who have loved ones at McKay, the levy is a matter of obtaining quality care that is convenient for their family members.
"If the levy doesn't pass I'm going to have to look at putting my mother in a home in Moses Lake, Wenatchee or Spokane where I will barely be able to see her," said April Leask, an employee at Don's Restaurant in Soap Lake whose mother has been at McKay for two years. "I have had my mother in other places (nursing homes) and they did not compare with McKay."
Others in the hospital district support McKay, but do not want to see an increase in taxes.
"We don't want any more taxes," said Sally Howard, a resident of Coulee City who recently had a $35 a month increase on her house payment. "They're (McKay) wonderful, but we have to meet our bills too and I just don't know where the money goes anymore."
If the levy doesn't pass other funding options will have to be considered and the entire budget redone, Prentice said.
"Soap Lake is going through a revitalization process and McKay can help with that to make this a more vibrant community," Sharp said.