Vote for new board members and the passage of the 2.7 mill levy
On November 2, voters will elect two new members to the Artesia Special Hospital District Board of Trustees. Voters will also be asked permission to continue a mill levy of two dollars and seventy cents ($2.70) per one thousand dollars ($1,000) of net taxable property value allocated to the Artesia Special Hospital District. The duration of this levy would be four (4) years. The voters have approved the continuance of this levy since 1979.
THE PASSAGE OF THE 2.7 MILL LEVY WILL NOT INCREASE TAXES, BUT WILL CONTINUE THE PRESENT TAX RATE FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
The mill levy is vital to the continued operation and maintenance of Artesia General Hospital, and it helps the hospital continue to offer a broad array of services to the Artesia community. Revenue raised from this tax is pivotal in the ability of the hospital to meet community needs through the many services currently provided by the hospital.
Since the renewal of this mill levy four years ago, the funds collected have allowed the hospital to purchase $1.1 million in new surgical equipment; purchase more than $800,000 in medical imaging equipment including new cardiac ultrasound (and a recently-approved new CT, operational in 2022); make $1.3 million in IT security upgrades; remodel the Hospital’s south hall (including a new cafeteria with community meeting rooms); and more. In addition, the mill levy helps cover the ever-increasing cost of uninsured and charity care, as well as shortfalls in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements from the Federal government.
We encourage all registered voters to vote on November 2, 2021. Visit the New Mexico Voter Information Portal to register to vote, update your current voter registration, request an absentee ballot online and more. If you have any questions pertaining to this mill levy election, please call 575.748.3191.
Additional Information
About the Mill Levy
How Much Is Raised by the Levy?
The levy of 2.7 mills generates about $4 million annually for the hospital. Of this amount, the majority comes from severance taxes on oil and gas production in Eddy County.
Where Does the Money Go?
- 100% of the mill levy funds are paid to Artesia General Hospital
- Salaries make up 50% of the funds spent by Artesia General Hospital, $33.7 million annually*
- Uncompensated care exceeds $1.3 million dollars annually*
- Professional Fees and Purchased Services account for $8.2 million*
- Insurance expense is over $1.3 million*
- Gross receipts tax of $1.0 million*
How You Can Help
- Vote FOR the candidates of your choice and FOR the renewal of the mill levy on Tuesday, November 2.
- Explain to your friends and family that quality health care in Artesia can only continue with the help of each and every resident.
- Call or talk to your neighbors, friends and fellow employees on November 2 and encourage them to go to the polls and show their support for the hospital.
About Artesia General Hospital
Artesia General Hospital is a 25-bed acute-care facility that serves the health care needs of North Eddy County with medical and surgical services, including 24-hour emergency room care. The hospital employs 427 health care professionals with a goal of offering the highest quality health care possible. The hospital is owned by the citizens of the Artesia Special Hospital District and governed by a locally elected board.
Who benefits from Artesia General Hospital? All the citizens of this community! Annually at Artesia General Hospital:
- 819 Inpatient Admissions*
- 9,929 Emergency Patients*
- 2,300 Surgical Patients*
- 26,271 Outpatient Visits*
Every year, North Eddy County enjoys the benefits of more than $33.7 million in salaries paid to more than 427 full, part-time and PRN hospital employees. Also, Artesia General Hospital annually provides more than $1.3 million in charity care.
Learn more about the wide range of inpatient and outpatient services offered at Artesia General Hospital.
*All Data is fiscal year 2021 annualized