08/04/2026
Official Statement from Michael Pasco
Former Candidate for Butler County Commission – District 3
Today, the citizens of El Dorado are being asked to decide whether to approve a sales tax increase intended to support Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. After careful consideration, I voted No, and I believe it is important to explain why.
First and foremost, I firmly believe that the financial burden of sustaining our local hospital should not rest solely on the shoulders of the taxpayers of El Dorado. Families throughout our community are already struggling with rising costs, increasing property taxes, inflation, and the everyday expenses of providing for their households. At a time when many residents are being priced out of their homes or forced to make difficult financial decisions, asking them to absorb yet another tax increase is not the right solution.
One of my greatest concerns is the lack of financial transparency from Susan B. Allen Memorial Hospital. Before asking taxpayers to provide additional funding, the hospital should be willing to fully disclose its financial condition. To date, comprehensive financial information has not been made readily available to the public. Taxpayers deserve to understand how the hospital arrived at its current financial position, what steps have been taken to improve its operations, and how additional tax revenue would be managed. Transparency and accountability should be prerequisites for any request for public funding.
I fully recognize the importance of maintaining access to quality healthcare in our community. El Dorado needs a hospital that can provide reliable, sustainable healthcare services for generations to come. However, long-term financial stability cannot be achieved through repeated taxpayer-funded bailouts alone. Sustainable leadership requires responsible financial management, operational efficiency, strategic planning, and accountability to the public.
This vote is not about whether our community values healthcare we absolutely do. It is about whether increasing taxes is the appropriate solution without first providing taxpayers with the transparency and confidence they deserve.
For these reasons, I joined many other citizens in voting No on the proposed sales tax increase. I remain committed to supporting solutions that strengthen our community while protecting hardworking taxpayers from additional financial burdens.
Michael Pasco
Former Candidate for Butler County Commission – District 3