Bond Measure
On the Ballot November 3, 2026
This November, voters in the Clatsop Care Center Health District will consider a general obligation bond measure to fund a new skilled nursing facility in Astoria.
The measure would authorize the District to issue up to $34 million in general obligation bonds to construct a new, purpose-built skilled nursing facility and related improvements on land the District already owns on Olney Street.
Measure at a Glance
Bond amount:
Up to $34 million
Estimated tax rate:
$0.3746 per $1,000 of assessed value
Election Day:
November 3, 2026
A History of Care in Clatsop County
For more than 40 years, Clatsop Care Center Health District has provided care to people across Clatsop County through Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, and In-Home Services.
The current skilled nursing facility opened in 1926 and has cared for generations of North Coast residents. Thanks to the work of Clatsop Care staff and maintenance teams, it continues to provide high-quality care today, but the building was not designed for modern skilled nursing.
The proposed new facility would carry that work forward in a building designed around the needs of residents, families, and caregivers.
Keeping Care Close to Home
A fall, stroke, serious illness, surgery, or hospital stay can create an immediate need for skilled nursing care.
When that happens, being close to family, friends, and the people who know and support you matters.
The nearest comparable skilled nursing facility is approximately 43 miles away in Wheeler, Oregon. The proposed new facility would help preserve local access to skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care, including services covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
Building a New Facility
The proposed skilled nursing facility would be built on District-owned land on Olney Street in Astoria, next to the existing assisted living facility.
The new facility is designed to include:
- 44 skilled nursing beds, compared with 38 residents served in the current facility
- All resident rooms and care areas on the ground floor
- Modern heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
- Straightforward evacuation routes for residents of all mobility levels
- More patient lifts to help residents move safely
- Additional electrical capacity throughout the building
- Comfortable common spaces for residents and families
- A work environment designed specifically for modern skilled nursing care
The District’s other services — Memory Care, Assisted Living, and In-Home Services — would continue operating as they do today.
Designed for Residents and Caregivers
The current facility was built nearly a century ago.
A purpose-built facility would allow resident care to be organized entirely on one floor, making it easier for caregivers to reach residents and helping simplify evacuation during a fire, earthquake, or other emergency.
The new facility is also being designed with modern systems and spaces intended to improve comfort, dignity, and day-to-day care for residents and staff.
Reducing Operating Costs
Locating the new skilled nursing facility next to the District’s existing assisted living building would allow the two facilities to share maintenance and operational resources.
The District estimates these efficiencies could save approximately $200,000 to $300,000 per year.
Reduced operating costs would allow more resources to support resident care and other essential services.
Accountability for Public Dollars
The bond measure includes several safeguards for taxpayers.
Citizen Oversight Committee
If the measure passes, a Citizen Oversight Committee would review spending and ensure bond proceeds are used only for the purposes approved by voters.
Legally Restricted Funds
General obligation bond proceeds can only be used for voter-approved capital purposes. They cannot be used for salaries or day-to-day operating expenses.
Elected Board
Clatsop Care Center Health District is governed by an elected board accountable to District voters.
What Would the Bond Cost?
The measure would authorize up to $34 million in general obligation bonds.
The estimated annual bond tax rate is:
$0.3746 per $1,000 of assessed property value
The actual levy rate may vary depending on final interest rates and changes in assessed value.
Bonds may be issued in multiple series, with each series maturing within 30 years.
The District currently has a separate operational levy that supports day-to-day care, staffing, and maintenance. If the bond passes, the Board has voted to sunset the existing operational levy one year early, reducing the net cost impact to taxpayers.
What Happens During Construction?
If voters approve the measure, preliminary work is expected to begin in 2027, with the new facility targeted to open in late 2028.
Residents would continue receiving care in the existing skilled nursing facility throughout construction. Because the new building would be constructed at a separate site, no resident displacement would be required during construction.
Learn More. Ask Questions. Share the Facts.
This is an important decision about the future of skilled nursing care on the North Coast, and we want community members to have clear, accurate information.
You can:
- Read the bond measure FAQ
- Download the community fact sheet
- Share factual information with friends, family, and neighbors
- Invite a District representative to speak to your community organization
- Send us your questions
Caring for the North Coast Since 1979
Clatsop Care Center Health District is a not-for-profit public health district serving Clatsop County through Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Assisted Living, and In-Home Services.
One purpose: quality care for the people of Clatsop County.
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