$10 million is too large of expense for taxpayers

Do We Really Need a White Elephant?

Having worked as an EMT (1983-1991) and staff member at East Adams County Rural Hospital, I can tell you that the idea of floating a $10 million bond on the backs of taxpayers is pure folly. I know, 20 to 25 years ago is a long time, but some things never change.

The front page of the July 3, 2013, issue of the Ritzville Journal says it all, “Hospital Revenue Improving, Not Yet Profitable.” This headline could have been written, 10, 15, or yes, even 25 years ago. Take a gander at the Meeting of the Board of Commissioners dated 27 June 2013. At the end of that document you will find “Unaudited Financial Statements for Four Months Ending April 2013.” There are several spreadsheets reporting revenue. One table that records Patient Services, Out Patient Services, Ancillary Services, etc., show that from 12 April 2012 to 13 April 2013, impatient services (including swing beds) accounts for a very small piece of the pie. If I am reading this right, for the year only $450,000 out of $1,773,072 was attributed to inpatient services. Now deduct wages, supplies, etc., and you end up with the $696,861 deficit. And you want $10 million at the taxpayer’s expense? Sorry, based on one year and going back as far as you want to go, this is insanity.

With a dwindling population, who’s going to foot the bill for the operation and maintenance costs for a $10 million hospital? That’s right! The costs will go on and on in the form of levies, because this is the 21st century folks, and towns the size of Ritzville (and larger for that matter) don’t have new hospitals because they just simply can’t afford them. Cle Elum with a larger population is one example.

I’ve been in Ritzville for over 30 years. I like this town, it’s quiet, and it’s safe. My wife and I raised our children here, but facts are facts. Outside of a few gas stations and fast food joints, the town just isn’t growing and never really has. In fact, it is in decline, people are leaving, the tax base is declining, utilities continue to climb, and those of us homeowners who stay have to foot the bill. Take a look at the half-empty downtown core. And you want a $10 million hospital?

In essence, what Ritzville and the East Adams County Hospital District No. 2 needs is a top-flight clinic and a competent emergency services department. As long as I can remember, the vast majority of acute care patients were always transferred to Spokane, or in some cases Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake. Referring to the report mentioned above, take a look at the table that shows a years’ worth of inpatient days. Really? On August 6, I will cast an emphatic vote of NO on a $10 million white elephant! Hopefully you’ll do the same.

Jeff Creighton, Ritzville