Pullman Regional Hospital places $27.5 million tax-payer bond on ballot

Approved measure could raise property taxes, help expand hospital facilities

KESTRA ENGSTROM

Pullman Regional Hospital’s new layout will expand orthopedic and sports medicine patient care.

FRANKIE BEER, Evergreen news editor

The Pullman Regional Hospital Board of Commissioners will place a $27.5 million taxpayer bond before Pullman voters, approving a funding plan for its hospital expansion on July 26. 

Pullman Regional Hospital’s 800,000 square foot expansion and remodel is estimated to cost $45 million to provide additional mental health, imaging and sports medicine services among other resources, according to the PRH website

During the upcoming election on Nov. 8, voters in the hospital’s taxing district will decide on the 30-year bond measure, according to a PRH press release. It needs a 60% supermajority vote to fund the expansion,  

If the measure is approved, property taxes in Pullman would increase by 76 cents a year for every $1,000 of tax assessed value, according to a Pullman Radio article. An owner of a home assessed at $250,000 would pay an extra $190 a year.

The Pullman community has rejected similar proposals to expand the hospital’s facilities in the past. In 2019, a $29 million taxpayer bond fell short twice in April and November, according to the Daily Evergreen.  

Pullman voters also did not pass PRH’s attempt to expand its taxing district in 2021, according to a PRH press release

In addition to the potential taxpayer bond, PRH will also receive $10 million in hospital borrowing and $7.5 million from philanthropy and grants to fund its expansion, according to a PRH press release