June 29, 2015
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court and the Tarrant County Hospital District (the “District”) are hosting five Town Hall Meetings to receive comments from county residents on a plan to update and expand John Peter Smith Hospital. The plan consists of three major components: construction of a patient hospital tower with accompanying parking garage; construction of a psychiatric hospital; and renovation of existing facilities.
John Peter Smith Hospital serves as the county’s public hospital under the direction of the District’s Board of Managers, which is appointed by the Commissioners Court. The planned improvements are the result of a strategic facilities utilization plan begun in March 2010, using input from physician groups and other affected stakeholders. The improvements will expand and upgrade facilities to meet the District’s mission in providing quality health care for Tarrant County residents.
The District’s current facilities are outdated, inefficient and lack the capacity to serve the growing population of Tarrant County. In order to improve patient experience, increase operational efficiencies and maximize reimbursements based on quality and satisfaction – thereby creating greater financial and operational performance — it is essential the District modernize its facilities.
The total cost of this construction project is approximately $809 million. The historically low interest rate available for high quality bonds means a bond financing election would be advantageous. Combined with the expectation of continued construction cost inflation, building now may save millions over the length of the debt service.
Both the District and the Commissioners Court take a fiscally responsible approach to the issuance of the bonds that are approved by voters. The intent is to only issue bonds if the District has the capacity to repay them without a tax rate increase.
The District is seeking comments and input on the proposed plan from the general public. Five Town Hall Meetings are scheduled throughout the county for the convenience of interested residents.
The following are th planned meeting dated. You can also view the proposed plan by going to www.jpshealthnet.org/bonds.
Tuesday, June 30, 6:30 p.m.
Northeast Courthouse
645 Grapevine Hwy.
Hurst, TX 76054
Monday, July 6, 6 p.m.
Resource Connection Gymnasium
2300 Circle Drive
Fort Worth, TX 76119
Tuesday, July 7, 6 p.m.
Lake Worth Multi-Purpose and Meeting Facility
7005 Charbonneau Road
Lake Worth, TX 76135
Tuesday, July 21, 6 p.m.
Arlington Subcourthouse
700 East Abram St.
Arlington, TX 76010
Wednesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
Mansfield City Council Chambers
1200 East Broad Street
Mansfield, TX 76063
