Hospital Levy passing in early vote count

The proposed tax levy for Island Health is leading in early voting, with 57% support from about 6,400 counted votes. The next vote count is scheduled for tonight, and if approved, the levy could generate an additional $4 million annually. The levy would raise the current tax rate from 34 cents to 75 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation. Homeowners with properties valued at $800,000 would face an extra cost of 89 cents per day. This new levy replaces a bond levy from 2004 that will expire in 2028, signaling a shift in funding for local health services.

Island Health emphasizes the importance of this funding for maintaining and enhancing healthcare in the region. The outcome of this vote will have lasting implications for community health resources. Local residents are closely watching the results as they could affect their daily expenses and healthcare access.