Questions and Answers About The HSD2 Proposition
Why is the proposition on the December 7th ballot and not on the November ballot?
So voters’ attention can be focused on the reasons for the proposition and its costs.
November presidential elections tend to overwhelm voters and they cannot focus on other propositions. The Hospital Service District 2 (HSD2) wanted voters to be informed about the issue.
It also took time to determine what needed to be repaired, how much the repairs would cost and the appropriate millage number.
It is nonsensical to claim that the HSD2 Board wanted to hold this election under the radar of voters. HSD2 has produced an extensive public information campaign that included Council Presentations, direct mail, a website, social and broadcast media and participation in community meetings to answer questions.
HSD2 Board meetings are advertised and open to the public. They are transparent.
Was this millage initiated by Ochsner?
No, this millage was initiated by the HSD2 to do major repairs to the hospital for which the hospital district is responsible. The citizens of HSD2 own the hospital facility and are responsible for major repairs. The architectural firm Grace, Hebert, Curtis made a detailed assessment and the cost of repairs. The 9 mills being requested are to meet those costs.
Will the funds from this proposition be used for anything else?
Yes, some funds will be used to provide scholarships to local students pursuing medical careers. HSD2 is in control of exactly how the funds may be used. We would like to assist with the recruitment of new physicians and to see to it that we have as many healthcare services as possible offered to our citizens.
Why doesn’t Ochsner Health pay for major repairs?
It is leasing the facility. It does not own it. You, the citizens of East St Mary Parish own the hospital facility.
Is Ochsner responsible for the maintenance of Ochsner St. Mary?
In Ochsner’s agreement with HSD2, it is responsible for routine maintenance and required to spend $200,000 per year. They have honored this agreement and in fact have paid significantly more.
Will the money raised go to enrich Ochsner Health System?
No, the money will go to HSD2 and through a written agreement with Ochsner Health system, it will be used for the purposes that are being stated. HSD 2 is legally responsible for the funds.
Is the tax amount excessive and will it make homeowners overtaxed?
No, the average homeowner will pay $45 per year for a 10 year period. Th amount is inline with other HSDs throughout the state. HSD1 in Franklin benefits from a 13.1 mill tax.
Is this government overreach with taxes?
No, 90% of Rural Hospitals in Louisiana receive community support to maintain their facilities and services. Without community support, rural areas would not have a hospital at all because rural populations are not large enough to support a hospital just on patient fees and insurance reimbursements. Louisiana is one of the few states that has not recently had a rural hospital to close. In Texas, 26 hospitals have recently closed.
Why should I pay this millage, if I don’t use the hospital?
You may need this hospital in an emergency. Having local healthcare is lifesaving.
To keep healthcare accessible to our seniors who do not have transportation to other areas.
To help your friends and neighbors who depend on OSM for their care. In 2023:
46000 people used outpatient services
25,000 people used the Emergency Department
10,000 people used the Clinics
6,000 people used inpatient services
To make our community attractive for people considering a move to our area.
To make our community viable for businesses who consider locating here.
Does Ochsner St. Mary have Quality Services?
Ochsner Health is known nationally for its quality of services.
National ratings of Ochsner St. Mary are:
Safety of the Hospital A+
Clinical Services Top 5%
Outpatient Services Top 2%
If you or your family have not recently used the hospital, you may not be aware of its quality of services.
How do local businesses benefit from the hospital?
Local businesses depend on Ochsner St. Mary because the hospital pumps $97 million in direct and indirect spending into the local economy each year. The hospital supports 250 jobs with a payroll of $24 million. These employees purchase goods and services in our community. Without this hospital these funds will go away.
What is the Plan B if this proposition does not pass?
The hospital will not receive the repairs that it needs to be viable.
HSD 2 has not collected funds from the community in over 20 years and it does not have the money to fulfill its landlord obligations. It is nearly impossible to ask the state or anyone else for funds if the local community does not invest in its own hospital facility.
What did the community pay in millage in the past?
The community paid 9 mills. This is the same amount that HSD2 is asking for in this proposition. Citizens in the Western half of St. Mary Parish have a 13.1 mill hospital tax.
How long is the community obligated to pay 9 mills?
10 years.
Why isn’t Ochsner St. Mary designated as a Critical Access Hospital?
This is a complex issue with multiple criteria. For one, we require more than 25 beds. Bayou Bend in Franklin is a Critical Access Hospital and it still requires a 13.1 mill tax. We are working with Ochsner to pursue a newly created Rural Hospital designation to improve its reimbursement.
Will repairs have to wait over 10 years to be done?
No, HSD2 can essentially borrow funds to allow the work to be done sooner. The money also enables HSD2 to request Capital Outlay Funds from the State and grant funds since we will have matching funds, just like the St. Mary Levee District.