Hospital districts fulfill a vital role in the State of Wyoming. Without them, many Wyoming citizens would be unable to receive healthcare services in their own communities. SLHD is a hospital district that has been established since 1960 to support healthcare needs in South Lincoln County.

The mill levy is the "tax rate" that is applied to the assessed value of a property within the taxing district.

By statute, special hospital districts receive 3 mills and may seek by ballot resolution a total of 3 additional mills (6 total mills). Since 2018, SLHD has been supported by 4 mills. With the passage of the resolution in November, beginning July 2025, Those who live in the district would be assessed 2 additional Mills.

The additional 2 mills will vary depending on the assessed value of the property. For ease of calculation, an assessed property value of $100,000 would equal $9.50 per 1 assessed mill per year. In total, per $100,000 of assessed value, for 2 additional mills the annual cost would be $19 per year (or an additional $1.58 per month per $100,000 of assessed property value).

Calculation: Want to figure out your exact cost? Use your County assessed home value x 9.5% x .002

For decades, mill levy funds have assisted with infrastructure (building/equipment) and general operating needs of SLHD. These funds have been essential to maintain critical services for the hospital, nursing center, and emergency ambulance services. The additional funds would continue to assist in the ongoing capital and operational needs of the District continue to provide quality healthcare services.

The following are specific examples of how these funds will make a direct impact on South Lincoln Hospital District!

Emergency Department Keeping short wait times and telemedicine for fast treatment and diagnosis of trauma patients and those experiencing strokes and other critical illnesses. Certified in pediatric readiness.	Laboratory Providing local lab testing with quick results for providers!
Emergency Medical Services (Ambulance Services) Responding to citizens and tourists across South Lincoln County and neighboring communities in their time of need.	Surgery Enabling patients to stay close to home for general surgery needs.
Nursing Center Provide compassionate care for long term care residents including fun activities and personalized spaces.	Wound Care Critical for Diabetics and Senior Citizens.
Medical Surgical Care Providing compassionate care to inpatients with 24-7 oversight by dedicated nurses, providers, and other clinical team members. Two ICU beds are available for critical patients in need.	Respiratory Therapy Treating cardiopulmonary and respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis.
Swing Bed It is a service provided by rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) allowing patients to transition from acute care to skilled nursing care without leaving the hospital.	Therapy Services Providing a full range of rehabilitation services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
Clinic Services Clinics provide primary care for a variety of health concerns, offering scheduled appointments and same day visits.	Hospital and Clinic Maintenance Maintaining the physical facilities of SLHD such as elevators, HVAC, medical gas systems, electrical, plumbing, flooring, roofing and much more!
Imaging Providing state-of-the-art technology, including MRI, CT Scan, 3D Mammography, X-Ray, and Ultrasounds

The mission of SLHD has always been to provide excellent healthcare services close to home. Financially, mill levy funds have been a critical factor in keeping the hospital, nursing center, and emergency ambulance services in place. Over the past several years, The SLHD Board of Trustees, made up of elected community members, have been working to address the ongoing financial needs of the hospital district.

Currently, 50% of all rural hospitals across the U.S. are operating in the red. In Wyoming, 83% of rural hospitals are operating with a negative margin and have been for an extended period of time. Wyoming is in the top 3 States for rural hospitals operating in the red.

With the upcoming influx of temporary workers in the region over the next 2-5 years, SLHD is preparing for the additional healthcare demands that will impact the organization.

Keeping healthcare services local assists in maintaining jobs in the community. The clear economic impact of rural hospitals is critical to keeping the local economy and industry strong.

SLHD has committed to ongoing operational and financial improvements. The development and approval of a strategic plan by the board has focused on critical areas of ongoing needs while working to identify revenue growth and appropriate expense reduction.

A majority of Wyoming district hospitals located in similar population to SLHD have previously moved to 6 mills several years ago. These dollars support critical services around hospital operations and other needed services like EMS.

SLHD would drop from 4 total mills to 3 mills beginning July 1, 2025. The future state of services now being provided would likely be adjusted. Efforts to maintain current services would be challenged as SLHD would face additional concerns around sustainability. By statute, SLHD would need to wait 23 months for the resolution to come back to the district members for a re-vote.