What does the Upcoming Hospital District Ballot Proposition Mean for You?
What is Annexation? Annexation is the process of adding new areas to an existing hospital district through a public vote.
What Does a Hospital District Do?
Hospital districts in Washington help fund and operate healthcare services such as clinics, urgent care, wellness programs, and emergency preparedness.
When do I vote? Ballots will be mailed out by October 17. Return your ballot by November 4th (Election Day).
This fall, residents in Oakville and the surrounding area will decide whether to join Grays Harbor County Public Hospital District No. 1, which operates Summit Pacific Medical Center and associated rural health clinics.
This webpage provides answers to common questions so you can make an informed decision.
Q: Why should Oakville consider Summit Pacific’s district expansion?
A: Healthcare is at the heart of a strong community. Oakville residents have had to travel far for many essential services, especially behavioral health and wellness care. This measure would bring Oakville and nearby areas into Grays Harbor County Public Hospital District No. 1, home to Summit Pacific Medical Center and its rural health clinics.
Q: Will I have a say in the district’s decisions?
A: Yes. Residents of annexed areas gain the right to vote for and serve as hospital district commissioners.
Q: What types of services could be supported?
A: Depending on community needs, funding may support primary care, urgent care, behavioral health, wellness programs, and emergency medical services.
Q: Is this a new tax?
A: Yes. If approved, a property tax will be applied, similar to what current district residents pay. The levy rate will be 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, as determined by the county assessor.
Q: Will it change how emergency services respond?
A: Emergency medical services in Oakville will continue to follow existing protocols, though additional district support may strengthen resources over time.
Q: If passed, when do we join?
A: After the final vote is processed, the ballot proposition will go into effect immediately.
Community Impact of Annexation
- Opportunity for civic involvement and ability to run for Hospital Board Commissioner
- Improve access to health care and behavioral health services
- Partner in advocating for funding for city infrastructure improvements and capital investments
- Partner in advocating for EMS capital investments and providing resources for EMT training
- Enhance partnership with Oakville School District for sponsorships for school programs, career pathway programs, and student scholarships
- Collaboration in emergency response and planning
- Property tax write-off for medical bills
Proposition Language:
Annexation to Grays Harbor County
Public Hospital District No. 1
Resolution 2025-06 of the public hospital district commissioners of Grays Harbor County Public Hospital District No. 1, adopted on June 26, 2025, proposes the annexation of territory to that public hospital district. Exhibit A to Resolution 2025-06 describes the territory as consisting of the following voting precincts: Oakville (Precinct 701), Blockhouse (Precinct 068), Cedar Creek (Precinct 064), and Chehalis (Precinct 066). If the territory is annexed, then all property within the territory shall be assessed and taxed at the same rate and on the same basis as the property in the district, and its residents could be eligible to vote in district elections and to serve as district commissioners.
Shall the territory described in Resolution 2025-06 be annexed to Grays Harbor County Public Hospital District No. 1?
YES □ | NO □
Summit Pacific Medical Center is proud to be recognized with several awards, which include:
- From the National Rural Health Association:
- Outstanding Rural Health Program for its Food as Medicine Program (Food Rx): an educational program that guides patients and gives them access to healthy food to manage chronic conditions.
- From the American Hospital Association: a 2024 Rural Hospital Leadership Award National Finalist for its achievements:
- Low Barrier Behavioral and Primary Care Clinic
- Rural Family Medicine Residency
- Food as Medicine Program (Food Rx)
Summit Pacific is a vibrant and expanding public hospital district that operates a Critical Access Hospital with a Level IV trauma designation, four rural healthcare clinics, including an urgent care clinic open seven days a week. Our vision is “Through Summit Care, we will build the healthiest community in the Nation.”
In addition to our specialties,
we provide:
• Critical Access Hospital
• 24/7 Emergency Dept
• Level II Cardiac Center
• Level III Stroke Center
• Level IV Trauma Care
From local school partnerships to free health fairs and wellness events, Summit Pacific is more than a healthcare provider — we’re your neighbor, your advocate, and your champion for better health.
MISSION
In partnership with our community, we passionately advance the health of all individuals with an emphasis on quality, access, compassion, and safety.
VISION
Through Summit Care, we will build the healthiest community in the Nation.
CORE VALUES
Passion | Respect | Integrity |
Compassion | Excellence | Service
Why Summit Pacific?
Our hospital is currently expanding, with new acute care beds, advanced MRI suites, and an upgraded emergency department. These enhancements will provide our team with the tools to deliver exceptional care while maintaining a welcoming, patient-centered environment.
Do you have questions about the upcoming district ballot measure?
Contact Summit Pacific by emailing us with any questions or concerns you may have.
