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Board splits on request to forgive $300,000 county charge for hospital; agrees to $150,000 support
Summary
The county hospital asked supervisors to forgive a $300,000 county charge related to taxes from a prior purchase; after debate about budgets and regional economic impacts, the board voted to provide $150,000.
The Washington County Board of Supervisors considered a hospital request to forgive $300,000 the hospital owed to the county, a legacy payment tied to a prior county tax arrangement. Hospital leadership presented fiscal improvements and asked forgiveness so the health system could continue wage increases and recruitment.
Hospital representatives described a recent financial turnaround—citing improved days cash on hand and reduced accounts receivable—and told the board they had raised hourly minimum wages and provided a 3% across‑the‑board raise. The hospital requested the county waive a roughly $300,000 payment the county is owed (the meeting record shows the hospital asked the board to forgive that obligation).
Supervisors divided. Several members praised the hospital’s turnaround and noted economic multipliers when hospital employees spend locally. But other supervisors said Washington County’s finances remain strained (one supervisor referenced the county’s near‑million dollar negative figure) and they could not responsibly forgive the entire amount. After discussion the board voted to approve a $150,000 waiver/assistance instead of the full $300,000 requested. The motion carried by roll call; the board asked county staff and hospital leaders to coordinate the mechanics of the transfer and any documentation.
Officials emphasized that the board separately considers budget status and that the county wants to support the hospital subject to fiscal constraints.
