Ephrata hospital
Voters are leaning toward sustaining Ephrata's Columbia Basin Hospital during this week's $13 million bond request.
The request received 63.4 percent "yes" votes as of Wednesday, with votes still trickling in, according to the Grant County Elections Department.
We think it is a good sign, as the bond needs 60 percent voter approval to pass.
The 25-year bond request would fund the upgrade of the 60-year-old hospital, which is in dire need of new heating and air conditioning systems. Maintenance on the systems is becoming "cost prohibitive," according to information provided by the hospital district.
If approved, the bond dollars are used:
- to renovate the hospital, adding 25 private rooms with private baths;
- enlarge and update the hospital's physical therapy area;
- update the long-term care area for senior citizens;
- add a special area for children to be treated; and
- expand and modernize lab facilities.
The improvements are important because the building must be brought up to state and federal codes.
The cost to voters ranges from $144 in 2013, per $100,000 assessed property value, to $142 in 2014. In 2015, the amount decreases to $139, and from 2016-2037, it tapers off at $113.
This year, district property owners paid $48 per $100,000 assessed property value on an existing bond.
Donna Knauss, the hospital board's president, explains the bond failed two years ago after being placed on a general ballot with politicians and many tax issues. Some voters didn't look to see they were voting no on their hospital, she said.
Columbia Basin Hospital offers a variety of services, including Garden Oasis Assisted Living, long-term care, a family medicine clinic, an emergency room, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, radiology, mammography, ultrasound, MRI and CT scan.
Looking to the future, the bond request would sustain local health care services for Ephrata-area residents.
We believe the investment is worth the return to the hospital's patients, future seniors and Ephrata.
- Editorial board