Dear Editor:
I believe in making responsible financial decisions for our community, which is why I support Upper San Juan Health Service District (Pagosa Springs Medical Center) Ballot Issue 7B.
A yes vote does not raise taxes. It continues Pagosa Springs Medical Center’s existing authorization to keep and use the revenue it collects to support PSMC. Voters approved this authority in 2006 and again in 2016.
One financial benefit is preserving flexibility to accept grants. Grants can help pay for facility improvements and equipment that would otherwise require more local resources. They bring outside dollars into our community and help stretch the funding available for local healthcare.
PSMC currently operates as a governmental enterprise and is exempt from TABOR limits. Without the continued authorization provided by 7B, PSMC could have to decline orlimit future grant awards which would impact EMS and hospital improvements.
A no vote would not generate a tax refund. A yes vote keeps the existing authorization in place without increasing tax rateswhich makes better use of available resources to keep our healthcare local.
To me, this is a practical financial decision: preserve access to outside funding, support responsible planning, and keep existing healthcare dollars working in our community.
Please vote YES on 7B.
Steve Wagoner
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