FORKS — Voters’ approval of a Forks Community Hospital six-year emergency medical care and services property tax levy will support continued top-notch emergency care and expand volunteer opportunities, the mayor said Wednesday.
Tuesday’s initial count of ballots found that 638 voters, or 65.17 percent, voted to approve the levy, while 341 voters, or 34.83 percent, rejected it. The measure required a 60 percent majority.
The property tax levy will cost an estimated 24 cents per $1,000 assessed property value.
“It was a well-thought-out package. The community has faith the hospital will manage it well,” said Mayor Bryon Monohon.
Hospital officials were not available for comment Tuesday night or Wednesday.
The district’s ambulance crews are first-rate medical providers who train, work and provide services under sometimes-difficult conditions, Monohon said.
“The [community] support is just wonderful,” he said.
The emergency medical services levy, which will be collected beginning in 2016, will provide funds for emergency medical care or services in the district, including personnel and training costs, equipment, supplies, vehicles and structures.
The district is considering the replacement of one of its three ambulances and needs a larger vehicle to carry the hydraulic rescue tools called Jaws of Life that are used to extricate people from car wrecks, James Chaney, chief financial officer for the hospital, has said.
Funds also will pay for emergency medical supplies and volunteer training, and partially reimburse volunteers to help offset their loss of pay when they are called away during work hours.
“[Forks is] very much based on volunteers. Unlike the bigger cities, we have no funding to pay professional staff,” Monohon said.
The measure replaces a property tax levy that expires Dec. 31.
Out of the 4,229 ballots mailed to registered voters in the district, 979 were returned for a turnout of 23.15 percent.
The Clallam County Auditor’s Office counted Tuesday night 21,128 ballots out of 45,156 mailed to registered voters, for a voter turnout of 46.95 percent in special elections for five property tax measures.
The next scheduled count will be by 4:30 p.m. Friday.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.