Taxpayers Move Step Closer To Cutting Foundering Sonoma West Medical Center Loose
Russian River residents say they have received little benefit from the health care district, which collects about $4 million annually in property taxes, and have launched a "detachment" campaign to leave the hospital district.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
County Approves Taxpayers’ Bid To Leave Palm Drive Health Care District
Russian River taxpayers weary of supporting the struggling Sonoma West Medical Center won a crucial victory this week when a key county commission backed their effort to exit the Palm Drive Health Care District, which provides the hospital with important financial backing. The Sonoma County Local Area Formation Commission — after hearing arguments for and against the “detachment” effort — voted unanimously Wednesday evening to let property owners in three school districts in the Russian River area leave the 16-year-old hospital district. LAFCO commissioners are expected to finalize their vote at their next monthly meeting in October. Hospital supporters would then have a chance to launch their own petition drive and, if successful, force the issue before voters. (Espinoza, 9/8)