CMC tells congressman its fiscal realities

Congressman Dan Newhouse visited Coulee Medical Center last week as part of a tour through the north part of the 4th District to hear from leadership about the hospital's successes, challenges, and their hope to have their tiny home project included in the federal budget.

The hospital district, which includes parts of four counties, brings in only about $200,000 annually from property taxes–not even enough to cover the salary and benefits for one doctor–since a large portion of the land is government-owned and not taxed. 

Whether or not CMC ultimately receives the $3 million it requested in the Congressional appropriations budget, CEO Kelly Hughes has said they are moving forward with the project regardless; the need for workforce housing is simply too great for one of the area's largest employers to ignore. 

Earlier this month contractors began tearing down the four steel grain silos and the Quonset hut style building and truck scales will be next. 

The city of Grand Coulee is exploring amending the city code to allow certain types of residential housing within Commercial Highway zones, including the property across from the hospital where CMC would like to create their tiny home village. 

The city's Planning Agency discussed the topic at its Oct. 9 meeting, but having no quorum, no official action was taken. City staff recommend the amendment, which would require a conditional use permit for residential housing applications in Commercial Highway zones. 

CMC's future project proposal is not yet formal, but it will come before the Planning Agency when it is.