Every Vote Counts: Hospital Levy Trails by 1

DAYTON - Out of 2,482 total votes cast on ballots counted so far for the Columbia County Hospital District levy in last week's election, the measure has received 1,489 votes to approve and 993 votes to reject. With that number of votes cast, the 60% threshold to pass the levy would be 1,489.2.

According to Columbia County Auditor Sharon Richter, about 15 ballots remain to be counted in Columbia County. Walla Walla County Auditor Karen Martin told The Times that in the portion of Walla Walla County within the Columbia County Hospital District, which includes Waitsburg, approximately 14 ballots remain uncounted. Those final ballots will determine the fate of the hospital levy measure. Both counties plan to count those remaining ballots on Nov. 24 and certify the election on Nov. 25.

The hospital district asked voters to approve a $5.5 million bond to pay for a major renovation of Dayton General Hospital. Levy supporters estimated that the levy would add $0.50 per thousand dollar valuation to property tax rates in the district. The Columbia County Hospital District includes all of Columbia County plus the portion of Walla Walla County within the Waitsburg School District boundaries.

The proposed project would be the first major renovation to Dayton General Hospital since the facility was built in 1964. Among changes to be made would be moving the nurses' station and the food service facility closer to the patients they serve. A major expansion of the physical therapy facilities, along with the addition of an aqua therapy pool is also part of the proposed project.

Hospital Levy Vote, as of Nov. 7:

Yes No