PULLMAN, WA – The Pullman Regional Hospital Board of Commissioners approved several financial and operational measures at last Wednesday’s public board meeting, including the hospital's 2027 budget, a 5% increase in its property tax levy collection and plans to bring medical coding and billing services in-house, a move expected to save approximately $400,000 annually.
Property Tax Levy Increase
In 2013, Pullman voters approved a hospital levy with a maximum rate of $0.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value to fund hospital operations. Historically, Pullman Regional Hospital collected less than the amount voters approved. This resulted in the District having the authority to increase the 2026 levy amount of approximately $725,000 by up to 13.6% while maintaining a levy level less than that authorized by taxpayers.
Instead of bringing the levy up to the level authorized by voters, the Board increased the amount to be collected in 2027 by 5%, which will increase the amount collected city-wide by approximately $36,000 having an estimated impact of $4.00 per year, for a Pullman house assessed at $400,000.00.
Unlike the voter-approved bond, which funds capital improvements, the hospital's annual property tax levy can support ongoing hospital operations and building maintenance.
Bringing Medical Coding Services In-House
The Board also approved moving forward with an additional lease agreement for approximately 3,400 square feet of office space at 1230 SE Bishop Boulevard in Pullman, at a rate of $12 per square foot.
The additional space will accommodate hospital administrative functions, creating capacity to bring medical coding and billing services in-house. Previously outsourced, these services will add eight new hires to the existing team.
Bringing medical billing and coding services in-house is projected to save the hospital approximately $400,000 annually compared to its current contracted arrangement.
In 2023, the hospital purchased the building and land at 795 SE Bishop Blvd, formerly owned and occupied by Umpqua/Columbia Bank. The property is adjacent to the hospital’s main campus and includes the 10,000 square foot building and 2 acres; it was purchased for $2.45 million. After this purchase, the hospital eliminated four leased spaces at Corporate Pointe and the Edison Center.
Board Approves 2027 Budget
The Board also approved Pullman Regional Hospital's 2027 budget, which targets a .523% total margin; a positive bottom line of $896,000.
Patient Care Expansion Project Progresses Toward 2027 Completion
Pullman Regional Hospital continues construction on its Patient Care Expansion Project, supported in part by a $27.5 million bond approved by 76% of voters in 2022.
Scheduled for completion in December 2027, the project will double the size of the Emergency Department, add a fifth operating room, expand surgical support services, including sterile processing and post-anesthesia recovery, and centralize same-day services to improve access and meet the needs of the growing community.
Construction has remained on time and on budget and is 44% complete as of the end of October 2026. Less than half of the $600,000 contingency budget has been used for additional project costs.
Media Contact
Alison Weigley, Director of Strategic Planning & Business Development
Public Information Officer
Pullman Regional Hospital
Office: (509) 332-2041 / Cell: (509) 330-0242
alison.weigley@pullmanregional.org