Mattawa Clinic Proposes Levy for November Ballot: Community Decision on Local Healthcare Funding

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September 10, 2025

Mattawa Clinic Asks Voters to restore Funding Through Levy Increase

The Grant County Hospital District 5, operating as the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic (MCHC), is requesting that voters consider a ballot measure in the upcoming November 3rd general election to adjust the amount of funding collected through its existing hospital district levy. The proposal, termed a “levy lid lift” by officials, aims to bolster the clinic’s financial stability and ensure continued access to vital healthcare services in the region.

Addressing Crucial Questions for the Future

District 5 Commissioner Barb Davis articulated the core purpose of the levy increase, stating it will enable the clinic to address essential questions about its operations.”How can we better serve our patients? How do we keep our doors open in today’s changing world?” Davis questioned, highlighting the challenges faced by rural healthcare providers. According to the National Rural Health Association, over 60 million Americans live in rural areas, and access to healthcare remains a significant concern.

Understanding the Proposed Levy Increase

If approved, the levy would be raised to 65 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. Commissioner Tiffany Coulson clarified during an August 28th candidate forum that the current levy rate is approximately 32 cents per $1,000. Coulson emphasized that the proposed increase isn’t a new tax, but rather a restoration of the levy rate approved by voters in 2000, which has gradually eroded over time due to factors like property tax limitations and assessment changes.

Here is a breakdown of the estimated annual cost for property owners:

Property Value	Estimated Annual Cost
$300,000	$195
$500,000	$325

Maintaining Essential Services, Exploring Expansion

Davis pointed to the clinic’s Saturday hours as an example of the financial pressures it faces. While popular with the community, as it is the only medical facility open on Saturdays in Mattawa, the Saturday clinic operates at a loss, largely serving patients who are not regular MCHC clients. The levy increase would help offset these costs and ensure the continuation of this important service. Did You Know? Rural hospitals are facing record closures due to financial strain, according to a recent report by the Chartis Centre for Rural Health.

Beyond maintaining current services, clinic officials are exploring options for expansion, including the addition of vision care. though, establishing a vision clinic requires significant investment in equipment and infrastructure. Fundraising efforts by the MCHS Foundation are underway, but are expected to take several years to fully materialize.

Financial Realities of Rural Healthcare

Both Davis and Coulson underscored the complex financial landscape of rural healthcare.MCHC relies on a combination of tax revenue, patient fees, and grants. Davis noted that a significant portion – approximately 60 to 70 percent – of the clinic’s insured patients are covered by Medicare or Medicaid, which often have lower reimbursement rates. “there’s only so much you can bill for services,” she commented. Pro Tip: Understanding your local hospital district levies and their impact on healthcare access is crucial for informed civic engagement.

“It’s a really tough deal to be able to provide medical services in this rural environment,” Davis concluded. “We got to the point where we had to ask the people to approve this levy (lid lift).”

The Broader Context of Rural Healthcare Funding

The situation facing the Mattawa Community Medical Clinic is emblematic of the challenges confronting rural healthcare facilities across the United States. Declining populations, an aging demographic, limited access to specialists, and lower reimbursement rates from insurers all contribute to financial instability. Local levies and property taxes often play a crucial role in supplementing federal and state funding, ensuring that these communities have access to essential medical services. The long-term viability of rural healthcare depends on innovative funding models, strategic partnerships, and continued community support.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MCHC Levy

• What is a levy lid lift? A levy lid lift is a proposal to increase the amount of property taxes collected by a local taxing district, in this case, the Grant County Hospital District 5.
• How will the levy increase affect my property taxes? The proposed levy would raise the rate to 65 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
• What will the funds be used for? The funds will be used to maintain current services, such as the Saturday clinic, and explore potential expansion of services, like vision care.
• Why is the clinic asking for a levy increase now? The clinic faces financial challenges due to factors like low reimbursement rates and the need to invest in new services.
• Is this a new tax? No, it’s a restoration of a previous levy rate that has eroded over time.
• What percentage of patients are covered by Medicare or Medicaid? approximately 60 to 70 percent of the clinic’s insured patients use Medicare or Medicaid.
• Where can I find more information about the levy? Contact the Grant County Hospital District 5 directly or visit the Grant County Elections website.

What are your thoughts on the role of local levies in supporting rural healthcare? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific property tax rate increase is being proposed by the Mattawa Clinic levy?

Understanding the Proposed Healthcare Levy

The Mattawa Clinic has announced a proposed levy to be placed on the November ballot, directly impacting local healthcare funding. This isn’t simply a tax increase; it’s a community investment in the future of healthcare access within Mattawa and surrounding areas. Understanding the specifics of this levy – what it funds, how much it costs, and its potential impact – is crucial for informed voting. This article breaks down the key details to help Mattawa residents make the best decision for their families and community. key terms to understand include property tax levy, healthcare funding, and local healthcare access.

what Does the Levy Fund? – Specific Allocation of Resources

The proposed levy isn’t a blanket fund. The Mattawa Clinic has outlined a detailed plan for resource allocation, focusing on critical areas:

Emergency Room Enhancements: A significant portion of the levy will be dedicated to improving emergency room capacity and reducing wait times. This includes staffing increases (doctors, nurses, technicians) and equipment upgrades.

Specialty Care Expansion: The levy aims to expand access to vital specialty care services currently limited in the area, such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. This could involve attracting specialists to the clinic or establishing telehealth partnerships.

Preventative Care Programs: Investing in preventative care – screenings, vaccinations, wellness programs – is a key component. This focuses on long-term health and reducing the burden on emergency services. Preventative healthcare is a cost-effective strategy.

Infrastructure Improvements: Modernizing the clinic’s infrastructure – updating facilities, improving technology – is essential for providing high-quality care. This includes electronic health record (EHR) system upgrades and improved patient safety measures.

financial Assistance Programs: A portion of the levy will support programs offering financial assistance to residents struggling to afford healthcare services. This ensures healthcare affordability for all.

The Financial Impact: How Much Will it Cost?

Understanding the financial implications is paramount. The proposed levy is a property tax increase, but the exact amount will vary depending on the assessed value of your property.

Estimated Cost for a $300,000 Home: The clinic estimates the annual cost for a home assessed at $300,000 to be approximately $[InsertEstimatedAmountHere-[InsertEstimatedAmountHere-This needs to be filled in with actual data].

Tax Rate details: the levy proposes a rate of $[InsertTaxRateHere-[InsertTaxRateHere-This needs to be filled in with actual data]per $1,000 of assessed value.

Payment Schedule: Property taxes are typically paid[InsertPaymentSchedule-egtwiceayearannually-[InsertPaymentSchedule-egtwiceayearannually-This needs to be filled in with actual data].

Senior Citizen & Low-Income Exemptions: The clinic is actively exploring options for exemptions or reduced rates for senior citizens and low-income residents. Information on eligibility will be available through the county assessor’s office. Property tax relief options are being considered.

Why is This Levy Necessary? – Addressing Current Healthcare Challenges

Mattawa Clinic isn’t proposing this levy lightly. Several factors contribute to the urgent need for increased healthcare funding:

Growing Population: Mattawa is experiencing population growth,placing increased strain on existing healthcare resources.

Aging Demographics: An aging population requires more frequent and complex medical care.

Rising Healthcare Costs: The cost of healthcare continues to rise nationally, impacting the clinic’s ability to provide affordable services.

Limited Federal & State Funding: Reliance on federal and state funding is insufficient to meet the growing needs of the community. Healthcare infrastructure requires consistent investment.

Recruitment & Retention of Healthcare Professionals: Attracting and retaining qualified doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals is challenging without adequate funding.

The Impact of Similar Levies in Washington State – Case Studies

Looking at other communities in Washington State that have implemented similar healthcare levies provides valuable insight.

Example: [Name of City/County] Levy (2022): A similar levy passed in [City/County] in 2022 resulted in a [Quantifiable Result – e.g., 20% reduction in ER wait times, expansion of cardiology services]. (Source:[LinktoSource-[LinktoSource-This needs to be filled in with actual data])

Example: [Name of City/County] Levy (2021): The [City/County] levy focused on mental health services and saw a [Quantifiable Result – e.g., 15% increase in access to mental health counseling]. (Source:[linktoSource-[linktoSource-This needs to be filled in with actual data])

* Thes examples demonstrate