I want to take this opportunity to thank those who participated in the February 13, 2024, special election which included a ballot measure focused on a levy lid lift for Clallam County Public Hospital District No. 1, known as Forks Community Hospital.
The measure approved, which takes effect in 2025, restores the property tax rate to 75 cents per $1,000 assessed value, the maximum allowed under state law. As shared with our community before this special election, the levy rate had declined from 75 cents in 2006 — the last time the hospital asked voters for a levy increase — to the current rate of 42.8 cents.
The approval of this levy means that Forks Community Hospital will receive an additional $320,000 a year — almost double the $350,000 it currently collects.
I think it’s critically important for everyone in our community to know that, unlike large health systems that operate Critical Access Hospitals in rural and remote places, public hospitals like ours depend on tax dollars for survival. The levy Forks receives represents a part of the hospital’s annual operating budget of more than $40 million.
As a Public Hospital District, we are your community hospital. Our board meetings are open to the public and you can find details about meetings on our website at forkshospital.org. We value community voices and are steadfast in our commitment to provide outstanding care and service every day of the year.
In this highly challenging environment, where regulatory goalposts keep moving, insurance companies continue to add roadblocks for reimbursement, with workforce shortages and the need to remain competitive with benefits to recruit and retain physicians and other medical professionals, please know that we will continue to do everything possible to ensure you, your families and neighbors have access to high-quality health care in the West End. The approval of the levy lid lift was critically important for the future of Forks Community Hospital.
With sincere gratitude,
Heidi Anderson, CEO
Forks Community Hospital
