NOVEMBER 3, 2026 HOSPITAL LEVY
Understand the Facts Before You Vote
Boundary County voters will consider a two-year Special Hospital Tax Levy to support the operation and maintenance of Boundary Community Hospital.
2026 Hospital Levy
What is being proposed?
Boundary County voters will consider a Special Hospital Tax Levy for maintaining and operating Boundary Community Hospital. The proposed authorization is for an annual $1.5M levy for 2027 and 2028.
How will funds be used?
$750,000 per year for technology and personnel needed to maintain emergency care.
$750,000 per year for essential physical upgrades to infrastructure, utilities, and personnel.
What will it cost?
$58 per $100,000
For a qualifying homeowner receiving the full $125,000 homeowner's exemption, the estimated annual impact would be:
$250,000 = about $73/year
$500,000 = about $218/year
$750,000 = about $362/year
Why now?
BCH must maintain emergency, inpatient, diagnostic, and other essential services around the clock, regardless of daily patient volume. This requires trained staff, specialized equipment, medications, supplies, and facilities to remain available at all times.
In 2025, BCH experienced an approximate $1 million deficit between operating expenses and revenue.
80% of our patients are on government-funded programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE.
For every $1 billed on average, Medicaid reimburses 33 cents.
For every $1 billed, on average, Medicare reimburses 52 cents.
What has BCH done already?
Challenged denied and partially paid insurance claims. Addressed prior-authorization and documentation requirements. Worked to collect overdue payments for care already provided. Expanded services that generate patient-care revenue. Identified grant opportunities for qualifying capital projects. Limited labor-cost growth. BCH did not provide a cost-of-living adjustment in 2026; the most recent organization-wide increase was 2% in February 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this permanent?
- No. The proposed authorization is for two-years, covering 2027 and 2028.
Why can’t the hospital pay these expenses from its normal revenue?
- Major factors include reimbursement rates below the cost of providing care, a high percentage of government payers (Medicare/Medicaid), rising operating expenses, and aging infrastructure needs.
How much does Boundary County currently provide the hospital?
- Approximately $370,000 annually.
How much of the hospital’s operations does that cover?
- Based on current operating costs, 1.43% or approximately five days of expenses.
Has county funding kept pace with hospital expenses and inflation?
- County funding increases have been limited and have not kept pace with rising costs.
Boundary Community Hospital provides more care close to home than many people realize.
From emergency care and primary care to diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, rehabilitation, surgery, infusion services, cardiopulmonary testing, transitional care, extended care, and financial assistance resources, BCH plays an important role in the health and well-being of Boundary County.
This page is here to help our community understand:
- What services are available locally
- When to seek emergency care
- When primary care may be the right place to start
- Why local healthcare access matters
- What challenges rural hospitals are facing across the country
- How BCH is working to continue caring for our community every day
This page is educational. It is intended to provide facts and help community members make informed decisions.
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