HomeMy WebLinkAboutGrant Related - BOCCTOWN OF COULEE CITY
301 \\'rst Main Sm -m 609)-612-3331 Ph„nr
P.O. Box 398 (1091-632.3123 Fax
CouIty Cit <. kVA 99115-0Ms F -mai: nm
December 16, 2019
Grant County
Board of County Commissioners
PO Box 37
Ephrata, WA 98823
Honorable Grant County Commissioners,
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OLDEST TOWN IN $RANT COUNTT
I hope to take a few minutes of your time to express some concerns I have over the
stipulation placed on the SIP Grant awarded to Grant County Port District #4 (Coulee
City).
First let me explain my involvement. I have been serving the Town of Coulee City as a
councilmember since 2002, serving as Mayor Pro Tem for many years before becoming
Mayor. I love my small community and work hard to see it succeed.
Born and raised in Coulee City, I have a personal interest in the local Clinic as generations
of my family including grandchildren and parents, use the facilities. Managing the existing
building's maintenance and upkeep for several years has given me first-hand knowledge of
the issues plaguing the building. I first appeared before Port Commissioners in 2015 asking
if they would be interested in repairing the existing building or possibly building a new
clinic. Built in the 1940s, the current building is in dire need of upgrades and it was
determined these upgrades would not be cost effective.
Of course, for my community and its citizens, I would like to see our clinic grow and believe
the first step is a better facility. In April 2016, the Port received SIP grant funds because the
Commissioners, in conjunction with the EDC also agreed a new facility would not only
improve the services offered but could also bring more services to our area.
The Coulee City Clinic is currently operated under an agreement between the Coulee City
Clinic Board and Coulee Medical Center (CMC). It has remained under their wings since
1997. Prior to that our health care providers were providing services under the Okanogan
Douglas Hospital. Over the years these services to the Coulee City area have been stable
and have increased in patient numbers due the services provided by the Coulee Medical
Center. That is over 20 years of consistent service to this area. Many of our residents
simply aren't able to travel the 30 plus miles to the surrounding cities in order to obtain
these services.
GCPD#4 owns the property and building, and would like to replace the aged, undersized,
and outdated existing structure. This is in no way funded by CMC. The existing CMC staff
plan to continue its services in our area. McKay is not equipped to offer those same services
to the Coulee City area. The Port will continue to own the clinic facilities and I am
confident that if McKay ever wanted to provide services here in Coulee City the Port would
consider renting space to them as well. The new building has been designed with growth in
mind.
Although the taxpayers are contributing to GC Hospital District #4, that same hospital
district is not providing services in this area, nor have they in the years that I have served my
city. In the past, members of city council, as well as myself have been questioned by
citizens as to what our tax dollars are actually contributing to. McKay is a "Healthcare &
Rehab" facility, it does not offer clinic, hospital, or emergency services.
A stipulation on the SIP grant award that the port commissioners must seek approval from
McKay to build a new facility to improve already established services here seems unfair. It
is my hope that you, the Commissioners, will reconsider your recent decision and allow the
port to continue forward in their quest to provide our community with a new facility.
I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Dated this -P v— v day of d
Board of County Commissioners
Grant County, Washington
Approve Disa rove Abstain
Dist #1 Dist # 1 a_ Dist # 1
Dist #2 Dist # 2 Dist # 2
Dist #3 Dist # 3 LA,� Dist # 3
Grant County Port District #4
P. O. Box 537
Coulee City, WA 99115
Grant County Hospital District #4
PO Box 819
Soap Lake, WA 98851
Board Members of Grant County Hospital District #4 and Administrator Ralph Allen,
As you may already know the Grant County Port District #4, Coulee City, was recently awarded
a SIP Grant from the Grant County Commissioners. A stipulation was placed on that award
asking that the Grant County Hospital District #4 submit a letter of support.
The Port is in the process of trying to replace an aged, undersized and outdated existing building
which they own. Currently that building houses the local Coulee City Clinic.
The Coulee City Clinic is operated under an agreement between the local Coulee City Clinic
Board and the Coulee Medical Center (CMC) since 1997. Prior to that health care providers
were under the Okanogan Douglas Hospital. For clarification sake, neither the Coulee City
Clinic Board nor the Coulee Medical Center (CMC) are financing the Port's building project.
The existing clinic is undersized, over utilized, and very outdated. A new building would resolve
many challenges within the community by providing a place for up-to-date medical services
including services for the elderly and low income which is prominent in the area; creating new
jobs that are not related to agriculture; and invest income back into the community. It would also
be an asset for those who consider relocating to the area.
The Port is asking for you to support our endeavors, not only with a letter of support to our GC
Commissioners but also one we can use when seeking state funding this year.
Thank you for your c nsideration,
Travis Liening, Commissioner, Grant County Port #4
TOWN OF COULEE CITY
301 Wca Main )trrct (309)-632-3331 Phone
PA. &u 39:3 (309)-632-3133 Fax
C:oulcccity. WA 991li-0398 E-111.61: tCOL11CCl:iodeC.'ao1{1CV.(on) OLOESITOWNIN9RANICOWY
January 9, 2020
Grant County Hospital District # 4
PO Box 819
Soap Lake, WA 98851
I am seeking letters in support of our Grant County Port District #4 building project.
I first appeared before Port Commissioners in 2015 asking if they would be interested in
repairing the existing building or possibly building a new clinic. The current building is in
dire need of upgrade, is undersized, and definitely outdated. Upon getting several estimates,
it was discovered these upgrades would not be cost effective.
Having served the Town of Coulee City as a councilwoman since 2002 before becoming
Mayor, I have a vested interest in my small community and work hard to see it succeed.
This includes helping our Port District reach its goals. For my community and its citizens, I
would like to see our clinic grow and believe the first step is a better facility. The new
building is designed with growth in mind.
Since 2016, the Port has applied for and received SIP funding and state funding and is in the
process of seeking more state funding in 2020.
The Coulee City Clinic is currently operated under an agreement between the Coulee City
Clinic Board and Coulee Medical Center (CMC). It has remained under their wings since
1997. Prior to that our health care providers were providing services under the Okanogan
Douglas Hospital. Over the years these services to the Coulee City area have been stable
and have increased in patient numbers due the services provided by the Coulee Medical
Center. That is over 20 years of consistent service to this area.
GC Port #4 owns the property and building, and would like to replace the aged, undersized,
and outdated existing structure. This is in no way funded by CMC. The existing CMC staff
plan to continue its services in our area. McKay is not equipped to offer those same services
to the Coulee City area. The Port will continue to own the clinic facilities and I am
confident that if McKay ever wanted to provide services here in Coulee City the Port would
consider renting space to them as well. The new building has been designed with growth in
mind.
It is my hope that you, the Board of Grant County Hospital District #4, will, by letter of
endorsement, support the GC Port #4 as they continue their quest to provide our
community with a new facility.
Respectfully,
SWeyRae Maes
Mayor