QUINCY — A measure introduced in Olympia would allow up to $1 per person to be collected on events at The Gorge Amphitheater to pay for emergency services.
House Bill 1009 is sponsored by Rep. Matt Manweller, a Republican from Ellensburg. The admissions surcharge would go to help public hospitals and fire districts provide services during events.
KXLY says the rural town of Quincy only has about 7,000 residents, but its population swells to tens of thousands during events. And concert-goers strain the resources of the town’s small hospital when parties get out of control.
In 2013, the Quincy Valley Medical Center racked up about $400,000 in unpaid medical bills and extra staffing costs during concert events.
Republican Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, of Wenatchee, is sponsoring a companion bill in the Senate.
