Our Promise For Tomorrow
When is the election date?
Saturday, May 3, 2025. Early voting is April 19 through 26 (except on Sunday, April 20), 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. You may request a mail-in ballot by April 29.
What does a “yes” vote for this proposition mean?
A "yes" vote will lower the current millage rate from 6.75 to 5.99 while extending it by four years, moving the expiration from 2041 to 2045. It will fund expansions and upgrades for the Comprehensive Cancer Care Clinic, Emergency Room, and Women and Infants Center, as well as the construction of a new Pediatric & Primary Care outpatient center. Additionally, it will improve parking and accessibility.
What does a “no” vote for this proposition mean?
A "no" vote will keep the current millage rate at 6.75 and maintain its expiration in 2041. While the hospital will still work toward improving the mentioned services, it will take 10 to 15 years to accomplish without the millage extension.
How will the millage funding be used?
The proposition enables SMH to purchase General Obligation bonds to fund $51.5 million in capital improvements. It lowers the millage from 6.75 to 5.99 mills while extending it by four years. Funds will be used exclusively for construction and equipment, not operational costs, and past millage funds have built essential facilities like the Emergency Department and Heart Center.
How does the SMH | Ochsner integration impact the millage?
Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) remains community-owned and governed by the SMH Board of Commissioners. The millage funds are solely used for construction projects and equipment at SMH campuses. While Ochsner funds the construction of buildings on Ochsner-owned sites, SMH covers the furnishings and equipment for those locations. The ownership of SMH facilities built with millage funding will remain with SMH.
How will this proposition benefit the community?
The proposed change will reduce the property tax designated for Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH), lowering the annual tax for homeowners with a $250,000 property value from $118 to $105. This reduction will help enhance local healthcare services and technology, increase access to care, and attract top medical professionals. Additionally, it will strengthen SMH’s potential for future growth, benefiting the community in the long term.
Why is this millage important for the future of healthcare in our community?
This investment ensures that SMH continues to provide top-tier healthcare, expand services and maintain cutting-edge facilities while reducing the financial burden on taxpayers. Supporting this proposition helps secure the future of quality medical care close to home.
What is SMH doing to increase access to pediatric services with this millage proposition?
If the millage proposition gets approved, Slidell Memorial will construct a new pediatric and primary care center. This new space will allow SMH and Ochsner to recruit more pediatricians to this area, as well as allow room for pediatric specialists to rotate through the clinic to increase services available in Slidell for children with chronic needs.
How will the millage proposition improved emergency services at SMH?
While SMH opened a new Emergency Department at its main campus in 2013, our population has outgrown the space. If this millage passes, it will allow SMH to enhance the Emergency Room facility structure by building out more clinical space in its existing footprint. This build-out aims to optimize patient flow, increase patient capacity and privacy, and replace advanced imaging equipment.
