HOSPITAL LEVY ISSUES ARE IMPORTANT

Dear Editor,

The Columbia County Hospital District Board decision to seek tax payer support for your health system was not an easy one, but one that is of utmost importance to our community.

The coverage provided by both the Dayton Chronicle and The Times was on target regarding the major issues supporting the need for a levy. Their timely coverage is greatly appreciated.

While both touched on the areas of need there are a couple of issues that need to be brought forth now and more in-depth during the immediate future.

First: I know that the "billing system" needs to be fixed and you need to know that it's the Board's immediate number one priority! You can't have confidence in a system if it can't get the "billing system" right? We hope to turn the corner on billing by September 1, 2014! More to follow on this issue!

Secondly: You need to know that it is the Board's intention to save "Booker!" It is an asset that has and will continue to provide exceptional service to its residents and the community! However, you also need to know that the Hospital District has financially subsidized Booker's operation for the past seven years at an average cost of $397,000 per year. Thus we need to enhance other services and overall efficiency to make up for the shortfall at Booker?

Finally: As we move forward I will provide information regarding how "depreciation" and "reimbursement" impact the District's financial ability to stay solvent.

I appreciate your past support of the Hospital District and ask that you give favorable consideration to the Hospital Board's decision for a levy! If you have questions please contact the undersigned at (509) 386-5141 or Friends of the Hospital. Ted Paterson Chairman, Columbia Co. Hospital District Board Dayton