LWVSJ Observer Corps: SJI Public Hospital District April 23, 2025

Superintendent Butler reported the Peace Island Medical Center (PIMC) subsidy payment has gone up 25% in the last few years per the inflation escalator clause in the contract.  The Orcas PHD #3 levy lift passed, as did the Anacortes PHD levy (Island Hospital).  The Village at the Harbor is working to fill nine vacancies that have occurred since January.  It takes 1-2 months to fill a vacancy; the Village is now at 75% capacity.  The EMS had a record number of calls for March compared to the same time in previous years. The Village at Home will continue to operate with part-time employees and currently has 11 active clients and 215 billed hours

There is a high priority need to repair the EMS building septic/sewage system, which currently has use restrictions.  They are working with the Town of Friday Harbor and Orcas Sewage to repair and replace certain elements.  They will address the funding for this in the July budget revision. They approved the purchase of Life Pak 35 (defibrillator) and a new ambulance. They discussed future EMS building expansion.

The Village at Harbor is investigating purchasing the land it sits on that is currently leased. The building needs roof repair.

The joint project for housing health care workers on PIMC land is a long way off. In the near term it is more feasible to look at buying existing property and converting it to long-term rental housing.

The commissioners requested PHD staff to draft a new capital improvement plan and put together proposals on how to meet funding gaps; to purchase the land under Village at Harbor; expanding the EMS building; to purchase housing for health care workers; on engaging in talks with PIMC about the subsidy; and one on options for future funding through a ballot measure.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages informed participation in government.  The Observer Corps attends and takes notes at government meetings to promote public understanding of public policy and decisions.  The notes do not necessarily reflect the views of the League or its members.