SJI Public Hospital District November 19, 2025

Superintendent Butler said the levy lift passage indicated the huge trust that islanders have in PHD services, and they take that seriously.  He thanked the levy committee and team effort in getting out the message to the public.  EMS calls for October continued the trend of record monthly calls.  PHD/EMS now qualifies for enrollment in PEBB, the state health insurance program, at considerable savings over the higher cost of previous employee insurance.  Changes in health insurance are affecting the community, with only one insurer available on the ACA exchange for about two thousand county residents.   Peace Island lay-offs eliminated a locally based director.

Deputy Superintendent Perrollaz reported they filed a solar grant application.  Solar power and its battery storage will be backup for generators and make buildings, particularly the Village, more resilient in disasters.  They will apply for EV chargers.

Village at the Harbor Director Smith said The Village was gearing up for the holidays, with decorating done by volunteers.  The new Medicaid resident is settled in.  There are a few vacancies, but most new residents wait until January to move in.   

Commissioner Leschine-Seitz,  reported from the Long Term Care Committee that a Peace Health grant of $100,000 will provide dental services to those in need.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

 After a budget hearing the Commissioners approved the PHD 2026 budget and the EMS 2026 budget.  Possible EMS budget challenges in 2026 could be lower insurance reimbursements and other health care changes.  The Commissioners approved the EMS tax levy resolution for the 2026 levy increase of 1%, and levy certification to the Department of Revenue for the PHD and EMS levies.

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