Title
Adopt a resolution in support of Measure N, the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Bond, on the March 2024 ballot.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution in support of Measure N, the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Bond, on the March 2024 ballot.
SUMMARY:
Measure N, the Pajaro Valley Health Care District Bond, will appear on the March 5, 2024 ballot. If passed, Measure N will raise $116 million to renovate, modernize, and expand healthcare services and equipment at Watsonville Community Hospital and continue to improve healthcare access and equity throughout the Pajaro Valley, southern Santa Cruz County, northern Monterey County and the Central Coast. If Measure N fails, Watsonville Community Hospital's long-term sustainability is uncertain. Closure of Watsonville Community Hospital would likely cause the collapse of Santa Cruz County's healthcare system, adversely impact Monterey County's healthcare system, and have negative impacts on thousands of central coast residents, businesses, and institutions. All funds raised through Measure N can only be invested into the physical improvement and expansion of Watsonville Community Hospital and will have several layers of community oversight to ensure that they are being spent as intended.
The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors is committed to the health and well-being of our region's healthcare systems and has played a key role in returning Watsonville Community Hospital back to local, community ownership to preserve healthcare access and promote health equity.
DISCUSSION:
In 2022, Watsonville Community Hospital, which has served the community since 1895, nearly closed following a bankruptcy proceeding brought by the previous for-profit hospital owners. With the help of the State, our County, local leaders, and the community. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District assumed ownership of the hospital in September 2022 and is implementing a turnaround p...
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