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Committee advances bill allowing Jackson County to seek 0.25% sales tax to support Holton Community Hospital
Summary
House Bill 2390 would authorize Jackson County to put a 0.25% countywide retailer sales tax on the ballot to support hospital services; proponents said the levy could raise $300,000–$400,000 annually. The committee voted to work the bill favorably on a voice vote.
The House Committee on Taxation considered House Bill 2390, which would authorize Jackson County electors to approve a 0.25% countywide retailer sales tax pledged to support hospital services for 10 years.
Adam, the reviser, summarized the bill as authorizing a countywide question to impose a 0.25% retailer sales tax with revenue pledged to hospital services and an expiration after 10 years. Carrie Lutz, chief executive officer of Holton Community Hospital, told the committee the hospital serves a county of about 13,000 residents and that recent changes in reimbursement, payer mix and 340B program reductions have strained operations. Lutz said the hospital averaged more than 40,000 outpatient visits and close to 4,000 emergency department visits in the last year.
County estimates shared with the committee placed potential revenue from a 0.25% sales tax at roughly $300,000 to $400,000 annually. Mark Aschelman, a hospital board member who also does construction work in the region, emphasized staffing and reimbursement pressures and said the hospital employs roughly 203 people. Committee members asked about the hospital’s status; hospital witnesses confirmed Holton Community Hospital is a critical access hospital.
After testimony and a short committee discussion, Representative Ewertcamp moved to pass House Bill 2390 favorably; Representative Long seconded. The committee took a voice vote. The chair called for ayes and noes; the transcript records “Aye” and no recorded opposition. The chair declared the motion carried and the bill was placed on the committee consent calendar for further action.
