08/27/2025
In the Special Board Meeting that took place on July 10th, 2025, San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1’s Board of Commissioners voted to present a ballot measure for a levy lid lift. This lid lift will appear on the November 2025 ballot as Proposition 1. You can learn more about the lid lift by reading our Q&A below!
❓What services does the Hospital District currently provide?
This Hospital District is a local government taxing district that relies on property taxes to own and operate the following services:
• Village at the Harbor: The only assisted living community in the county for people who are 65 years or older. It is located in the heart of Friday Harbor.
• San Juan Island EMS: Provides emergency medical services and transport for people in need on San Juan Island and nearby islands like Brown, Henry, Pearl, Speiden, Johns and Stuart.
• Village at Home: Established in 2024, this branch extends our mission by offering compassionate, in-home care to island residents, supporting their independence and well-being.
We provide funding to the following local organizations:
• PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center
• Planned Parenthood office in Friday Harbor
• San Juan Island Prevention Coalition
❓What is a levy lid lift?
A levy lid lift is a voter-approved measure that allows a local taxing district—like our hospital district, a school district, or a library district—to increase its property tax levy beyond the state-imposed annual limit of 1%.
❓What is the purpose of this lid lift?
In light of state and federal spending cuts, local labor housing shortages, and unmet healthcare needs, this lid lift will enable the District to expand healthcare on San Juan Island.
❓Is this a permanent or temporary increase?
This lid lift is a permanent one-time increase.
❓How much would this lid lift cost?
For a $500,000 home, this lid lift would increase taxes by about $100 annually. For a $1,000,000 home, this lid lift would increase taxes by about $200 annually.
The District’s current rate is $0.5067 per $1,000 in assessed value. The lid lift would increase this rate to $0.71 for 2025 (for collection in 2026).
❓What additional services would the Hospital District provide if the lid lift passes?
If the lid lift passes, the Hospital District will expand healthcare services and support healthcare workers who provide those services. Some of these services include:
Village at Home: In 2024, the District launched Village at Home, which provides healthcare and companionship services to Island residents who wish to age in the comfort of their home. If the levy lid lift passes, Village at Home intends to expand Medicaid services (low-income health insurance) and start a financial assistance program for individuals who do not have the means or insurance to cover the cost of home care.
Housing for Healthcare Workers: There is a clear need in our community for more housing, especially for essential workers. The District currently has over 90 employees and volunteers, all of whom are vital to providing healthcare. If voters approve the lid lift, the District intends to purchase short-term rentals and convert them into long term housing for healthcare workers. This would help ensure our workforce can continue to live in the community they serve.
Community Paramedicine: San Juan Island EMS’s Community Paramedicine Program helps Island residents avoid needing to use emergency medical services for preventable health care services. While the District is already taking steps to expand this vital service, approval of a lid lift would allow for broader reach and greater impact—bringing more care directly to those who need it most.
❓What happens if the lid lift does not pass?
If the lid lift does not pass, the District will continue to offer its current services but will not expand services.
❓What is the difference between PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center and San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1?
PeaceHealth is a separate entity from the District. PeaceHealth has many locations across the region. Their Friday Harbor location, Peace Island Medical Center (PIMC), receives a subsidy from the District to support its operations. However, it operates independently of the District and is not a part of the District.
❓When will voters decide on the lid lift?
This measure will be on the Fall 2025 ballot. Election day is November 4, 2025.
❓How many votes are needed to pass the measure?
A simple majority, or 50% plus one voter.
❓Where can I find out more?
The District is happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact 360-378-2857, or check our website, www.sjcphd.org for more information. Other groups may provide information for or against this project.
San Juan County Public Hospital District No. 1 supports local healthcare. Learn more about the services we offer including EMS, home care, and senior living at www.sjcphd1.org.