Evergreen Health Monroe outlines $382 million hospital replacement plan, bond on August ballot

Evergreen Health Monroe officials presented a master facility plan to the council on June 23 that would expand local hospital capacity and place an unlimited tax general obligation (UTGO) bond on the Aug. 4 ballot to help fund a replacement facility.

Lisa LaPlante, chief administrative officer for Snohomish County Public Hospital District No. 1 and Evergreen Health Monroe, said the district has seen dramatic growth in demand and is pursuing a three‑phase approach: continued investment in the existing hospital, expanded access across the district, and ultimately construction of a new hospital on the current campus. “We are the public hospital district — it is local control,” LaPlante said.

Presenters said the hospital currently operates a 14‑bed emergency department that regularly sees 60–80 patients per day and a 26‑bed inpatient unit that is often full. Scott Stewart, the district’s Chief Medical and Quality Officer, said the facility is land‑constrained and is preparing to add four ED beds and expand progressive care capacity this fall. “We’ll be adding four more [progressive care] beds this fall,” Stewart said.

Finance staff explained the financing plan. Ann Peterson, vice president of finance, described a UTGO bond scenario that estimates the total project cost at $382,000,000 and the proposed bond’s levy impact at an additional 43.7¢ per $1,000 of assessed value. Peterson said that equates to roughly $2.40 per year (about 20¢ per month) for the average Monroe home assessed at $550,000.

Hospital operations staff described service expansions and how a new facility would double inpatient and operating room capacity initially, increase behavioral‑health‑convertible ED rooms, and allow the hospital to keep more patients close to home. Blake Fincherton, director of operations, said the district plans to open an urgent care and primary care site in Snohomish in early 2027 to expand access while the campus project proceeds.

Council members asked about drivers of ED growth and transfers. Megan Wersching, chief nursing officer, and Stewart said the increase reflects both growing population and limited primary‑care access; about 70% of transfers go to Evergreen Health in Kirkland because of capacity constraints. The presenters emphasized that the district will continue smaller investments while pursuing the larger replacement project.

The board overseeing the hospital district has placed a UTGO proposition on the August ballot to help fund the proposal; staff said further public outreach and the full financing plan will be available as the campaign and design work continue.

Next steps: Evergreen Health Monroe will continue design and outreach, and the bond measure will appear on the Aug. 4 ballot for district voters to decide.