With 77 percent of voters approving Hazel Hawkins Hospital $31.5
million bond for much-needed upgrades at the county’s only
hospital, it is clear the public wants a facility that can meet the
rising demand for quality health care.
With 77 percent of voters approving Hazel Hawkins Hospital $31.5 million bond for much-needed upgrades at the county’s only hospital, it is clear the public wants a facility that can meet the rising demand for quality health care.
Of the 9,392 people who cast a vote in San Benito County’s first mail-in ballot election, 7,243 of them supported the measure and are willing to accept an increase in their property taxes to see the hospital grow to accommodate future needs.
Fortunately, the tax increase will be modest for county residents – approximately $25 per $100,000 of assessed property value in the first year. And as property values increase and the county grows, the tax burden will decrease. Officials at the hospital estimate the average cost for the duration of the bond will be $14.95 a year per $100,000 of assessed value.
Voters rightly saw the benefit in supporting our community hospital’s efforts to improve care for San Benito County residents. The financial support should ensure quality care for decades. Hospitals, much like health insurance, are seldom appreciated until needed.
Once construction is complete with funding from the 30-year bond, Hazel Hawkins will be considerably different from the current facility built in the 1960s to serve a population of 12,000. The bond will fund a 50,000 square-foot expansion to the hospital. The emergency room will be significantly expanded, allowing staff to treat 30,000 visits a year. The busy labor and delivery center will add private rooms for expecting parents. And, perhaps most importantly, the hospital will purchase new diagnostic equipment to detect cancer and heart problems.
Such overwhelming public support, however, comes with serious responsibility for the Hazel Hawkins Board of Directors who will meet this week to finalize plans on new construction. We urge them to use the money carefully, and with the public’s best interest in mind as they plan for the future of all county residents. The public has put their trust in the hospital directors to wisely plan a course that will usher in the next generation and care for those in critical need. The vote represents the importance of the hospital to this community, and it’s a healthy step for San Benito County’s future.
To respond to this editorial or comment on this issue, please send or bring letters to Editor, The Hollister Free Lance, 350 Sixth St., Hollister, Calif. 95023 or e-mail to
ed****@fr***********.com
.
