Our Promise For Tomorrow
About the Slidell Memorial Hospital and Ochsner Health Partnership
Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) remains community-owned and governed by the SMH Board of Commissioners, with millage funds specifically designated for construction projects and equipment at SMH campuses. While SMH has a partnership with Ochsner, SMH retains 100% ownership of the buildings at the main campus, Cancer Center and other facilities, as well as the furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) needed to operate services under its name at any location. Ochsner funds the construction on Ochsner-owned sites, while SMH covers the furnishings and equipment. The ownership of facilities built with millage funds stays with SMH. While the partnership with Ochsner expands healthcare services, the SMH name and ownership remain with the community, and the millage funds are solely used for these specific purposes.
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 15 to 20 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.
Why do Slidell community members vote on SMH utilizes the millage funds?
Slidell Memorial Hospital (SMH) as a governmental agency operates under a unique structure where the local community plays a key role in determining how millage funds are utilized. In 2021, voters approved a dedicated millage to pay off bonds for the construction of the hospital's Surgical Services and Patient Tower. The hospital millage is restricted to specific uses, such as paying down bonds for capital projects or acquiring equipment to support medical services. Thanks to effective fund management, SMH has been able to pay down a significant portion of these bonds ahead of schedule. As a result, a "yes" vote now allows the same millage—at a lower rate—to be repurposed for other important projects, with the approval of the community, demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. The millage is strictly governed by the voters of Wards 6, 7, 8 and 9, who own the hospital's physical assets, including the buildings and equipment used for patient care. Because of this ownership structure, the millage cannot be used for operational costs or allocated to the hospital’s partner organizations. In essence, the voters of Slidell retain control over these funds, ensuring they are used solely for capital improvements and equipment, which directly impact the services the hospital is able to provide. This system exemplifies the efficient and transparent management of public funds, reinforcing the accountability of Slidell Memorial Hospital to its community.
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.
What is the history of SMH’s millage and financial responsibility?
All past bond issue millages have been paid off faster than scheduled, reducing interest costs. Since 2012, SMH has refinanced General Obligation bonds five times, saving taxpayers approximately $3 million.
Who votes in this election?
Tax payers residing in St. Tammany Parish wards 6, 7, 8 and 9, Slidell Memorial’s service district, are eligible to vote on this millage proposition. See the ward map below:
