Gove County, Kan., Voters Approve Sales Tax Increase to Fund Medical Center

Jul. 13–GOVE COUNTY — Voters on Tuesday approved a three-quarter cent sales tax increase to help finance to the Gove County Medical Center.

The increase passed in a special election by a vote of 629 to 401.

About 22 percent of the county’s 1,961 registered voters cast ballots.

Paul Davis, administrator of the medical center, said the money will be used for general operation and maintenance of the facility.

“Funding is always an issue for a small hospital like us,” Davis said. “We are trying to take a look at the future and be proactive.”

He said the federal government has continued to decrease the reimbursements provided to small hospitals for Medicare and Medicaid services.

Davis said he was “pretty positive” the public would approve the sales tax. The hospital conducted several informational meetings for the public about the issue, and he didn’t hear any negative comments.

“Every hospital is extremely important. As we have an aging population it becomes more important that we have a community hospital for people who can’t drive 25 or more miles to get care,” Davis said.

The sales tax increase will take effect on Jan. 1 and be in effect for five years.

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