Why should I vote for the Hospital District 3 Mill Levy?

Posted 10/24/18

What is the 3 mill levy ballot question?

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Why should I vote for the Hospital District 3 Mill Levy?

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What is the 3 mill levy ballot question?

-Every four years these 3 mills appear on the ballot for voter renewal.

Is this 3 mill a new tax?

-No. Voters have passed these 3 mills every for years since the hospital was re-opened 15 years ago.

Who pays this tax?

-All businesses with locations in the county, oil production companies, property owners and individuals that pay taxes on assessed property valuations. About 73% of the mill levy is paid by oil production, railroad and other state assessed/non resident entities. This leaves only 27% of the tax paid by Niobrarans.

How much does the 3 mill levy cost me?

-A house in the county with a valuation of $100,000 pays $30 per year.

Didn’t we just vote on this last year?

-No. Last November voters passed the 1 cent sales tax by a margin of 84% to pay for long-term capital improvements and needed equipment. This November is the regular, four-year renewal of the 3 mills.

What does our hospital spend the mill levy money on?

-This money helps support hospital operations.

Why does the hospital need tax support?

-Nearly all small, rural hospitals, called “Critical Access Hospitals” cannot survive without community tax support. We don’t have the volume and can’t charge enough to cover operational expenses and bad debts and charity care.

What will happen if voters don’t approve the renewal of the 3 mills?

-We would have to severely cut the services provided and ultimately would end up with closure of the hospital.

What services does our hospital provide?

-24 hour emergency room, hospital acute care beds, long-term rehabilitation, clinic and doctor services, extended care for elderly, lab, and radiology.

Can I receive good healthcare at the hospital?

-We strive to continue excellent, consistent care in all areas. We have excellent providers: Dr. Jolene Falkenburg, MD; Jennifer Murzda, NP; Jeffrey Beringer, MD; long-serving ER MD’s and nurses. Our State of Wyoming surveys have shown excellent results.

How many people use the hospital’s services?

-Our usage rates in the clinic, ER, lab and radiology have been climbing the last five years. We have updated equipment in lab and radiology. Our extended care facility for elderly is full.

What does the hospital do for us?

-It provides quality, local care for emergencies, family care physicians and nurse practitioner, and care for our elderly. At the same time it supports our community economically, providing good jobs for 74 people – most of them local, a facility that helps attract and retain other employment at the Women’s Center, schools and other local businesses. The effect on our economy is huge.

I want healthcare providers that I know and trust; doctors seem to leave after a year or two.

-Dr. Falkenburg lives near Lusk and signed a five year contract, Jennifer Murzda and her husband have made their home here, other providers and nurses are committed to providing long-term consistent care to patients in Niobrara County.

When is the election?

-The hospital’s 3 mill renewal is on the general election ballot on November 6th.

How can I vote?

Absentee ballots were made available as early as September 21st or voters can attend the polls.