Fall ballotmay include clinic measure

As 2009 progresses, it seems more and more likely that local officials will ask Wahkiakum County voters if they will pay a tax to support the Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic.

Revenues this year haven't met their targets, and the clinic is looking for funds from local government and other sources to cover payroll and other expenses.

Clinic Business Manager Crystal Stanley made her monthly report to the county board of commissioners Tuesday, and Cathlamet Mayor Dick Swart and Council Member Bob Rendler opened discussion with a request for more information about clinic finances.

Swart last week reported that Council Member David Goodroe had asked that the council consider a $50,000 appropriation to the clinic to help cover payroll. Swart said that Goodroe had made that request as a council member, not as a member of the Clinic Governance Board, as he had reported last week.

"Therefore, is there a formal request from the board of commissioners," he asked.

Commission Chair Dan Cothren replied that he had suggested to Goodroe in passing that the town could use some of its reserves to support the clinic, as the county has been doing since it purchased the clinic from Peace Health four years ago.

"The town has reserves, but it also faces a big debt burden," Rendler commented. "What would happen if the clinic went through that money? Where would the next $50,000 come from? I would feel more comfortable if the voters would speak."

Commissioner Lisa Marsyla, the commission's representative on the governance board, commented that it appears it will always be a challenge for the clinic to generate adequate revenue by just billing medical insurance providers and patients.

"I believe that even in the best of years, it will always be operating on a shoestring," she said. "So I believe that this November we will have to hear from the voters on this.

"If we are going to have a clinic, the taxpayers are going to have to support it. That's my opinion."

The governance board is looking at different ways a tax measure could be presented. Formation of a hospital district is one option that would create secure funding for the future, she said.

"That would be a fair way to do it," Rendler said. "All would pay their share."

"I agree with Lisa totally," Cothren said. "We're just trying to buy time. We've stepped forward as a county board to support the clinic; I felt the Town of Cathlamet could do so, too. I'm just laying it out there."

Swart said he would report at the council meeting next Monday evening that the county commission is requesting support.

Stanley and the commissioners also reported that the board had approved an extension of Dr. Janice McClean's contract as lead clinician.

The contract has been modified to allow her to work variable hours, cutting back when there is a low patient load.

The governance board is working to recruit a permanent physician.