Three Rivers Hospital bond gets majority support, falls short of requirement

BREWSTER — Three Rivers Hospital plans to regroup on future facility upgrades after its November bond proposal received a majority of voter support but fell short of the 60 percent supermajority required under Washington law.

Certified election results showed 52.3 percent of voters in favor of the hospital’s renovation measure, which would have funded a hybrid upgrade plan to modernize aging infrastructure and expand portions of the Brewster facility. Although the project did not reach the threshold needed to pass, hospital officials say the outcome reflects strong community backing for local healthcare services.

“We’re grateful for the strong support our community continues to show for local healthcare,” Three Rivers CEO Scott Graham said. “More than half of voters supported this project… That tells us our residents value their hospital and want it to remain strong.”

Earlier this year, voters renewed the Emergency Room levy with more than 71 percent approval, reinforcing the message that residents are willing to invest in the hospital’s continuing role in Okanogan County.

Planning next steps

With the bond narrowly missing its legal threshold, the hospital’s board of commissioners and administration will begin reassessing their timeline and funding strategies. A strategic planning retreat scheduled for early 2026 will focus on alternatives for addressing facility needs that remain urgent.

“Our work now is to chart a sustainable path forward that continues to strengthen local care,” Graham said.

Some improvements can’t wait. The hospital recently replaced a failed hot water heater and has applied for a grant to help fund a roof replacement — projects that were included in the original bond plan.

The hospital emphasized in its statement that it remains committed to maintaining access to care in Brewster and to evaluating future options to meet long-term infrastructure needs.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media