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Hospital tax on March 9 ballot<br>

Laboratory and Radiology Coordinator Robert Schneider displays one of the Williams Health Care Center’s vital pieces of technology — a $50,000 X-ray machine — made possible by the five-year, voter-approved hospital tax. The tax will be up for its five-year approval on the March 9 Williams city elections ballot

In existence since 1986, the tax — whose $8.08-per-month amount has not increased since its inception — is a supplement to the regular property tax and must be re-approved by voters within the Williams Hospital District every five years.

That means voters within Williams’ city limits will have city council candidates to chose from as well. However, those within the Williams Hospital District — formed in the 1970’s and covering the same area as the Williams Unified School District — but not within city limits will only have the hospital tax to vote on.

In a 12-month period between 1992 and 1993, some of the area’s major tax contributors challenged the tax and had its language changed. Meanwhile, the community suffered.

In that time period without the revenue, the WHCC — normally open seven days per week — was only open five days per week, was reduced to only eight hours per day, and could only afford to staff one doctor and one nurse.

Since the re-inception of the hospital tax and continued voter support, things have only gotten better for both the WHCC and the surrounding community. The center is now able to open its doors seven days per week, has extended urgent care hours including weekends, and currently employs six physicians and a physician assistant. With continued funding, the WHCC is also able to provide free or low-cost physicals for student athletes; free diabetes, cholesterol, and cancer screening; and is able to provide 24-hour standby emergency medical personnel via River Medical Ambulance during the center’s off hours.

Allied health services such as radiology (X-rays), lab, and physical therapy have been improved with new technology and equipment, and the WHCC is able to participate in nearly all major health insurance plans in the area.

Without the voter’s approval to continue the hospital tax, all of the above services would be either cut or discontinued completely.

Voting will take place on March 9 from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 629 W. Grant Ave. Early voting has already begun and can be done in person at city hall in Williams during regular business hours.

Those wanting more information are invited to attend the March 4 Williams Diabetes Support Group forum at 6:30 p.m. at the Williams Senior Center, 850 W. Grant, where Christman will lead a presentation on the hospital tax. The forum will focus on forestalling the initiation of diabetes through lifestyle and behavioral changes.

Rose Marie Rincon, of the WDSG, says it is of vital importance to catch those at risk in the “pre-diabetes” stage for best treatment. Currently in the United States, 18 million are affected with diabetes while another six million have it but are unaware. Because diabetes affects not only the diabetic, but family and friends as well, everyone is invited to attend.


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