North Shore Health board vote to raise levy in 2026
The North Shore Health hospital board voted unanimously to raise the Cook County levy by 15% in 2026, an increase of $284,625. The board discussed the levy during its August meeting at the Schaap Community Center on the Gunflint Trail.
The increase was the highest of the options presented to the board by North Shore Health Chief Financial Officer Nicole Siegner. The estimated increase for a property valued at $500,000 would be $46.12 in 2026.
“The levy is an ongoing investment in preserving and enhancing health care access for everyone in our region,” North Shore Health said in an issued statement. “North Shore Health relies on the continued support of property owners now more than ever as it prepares for expected cuts to reimbursement and grant monies from Federal and State healthcare programs.”
The board’s Finance Committee initially proposed a 12% increase, but the board opted for the higher amount during discussion.
“With what we anticipate shortfalls being in 2026, 2027, and beyond, due to the Big, Beautiful Bill, ” Board Chair Randy Wiitala told WTIP, “we’re trying to get ahead of the game so we don’t have to come back to folks and say, ‘Geez, we really need to ask for more.'”
Board member Sam Usem asked for more time to review the proposal before voting on the levy, but the board decided to move ahead with the 15% increase.
“As board members, we have a fiduciary duty to review relevant information before making decisions on behalf of taxpayers. The board was supposed to receive the levy report in advance, but nothing was provided until the meeting began,” Usem said. “When I asked for a copy of the material, I was told none was available — even as administration held one in hand. That’s not the transparency our community deserves. I voted for the levy increase, but we must do better.”
North Shore Health relies on the levy to bridge the cost of providing essential medical services that Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance do not adequately cover. It also helps the hospital afford purchases such as new radiology equipment that the board approved during the August meeting.
“It’s one of those things where you can always say, ‘well, I need more information,’ but the numbers don’t change,” Wiitala said. “They really don’t, and that was expressed during the meeting. I think all board members kind of came to a consensus that said, yes, we’ve got plenty of information here to make a reasoned judgment, and that’s the way we go.”
North Shore Health purchases the “Bunk House”
North Shore Health made an offer of $380,000 to purchase the property known as the “Bunk House,” which was accepted by Dan and Melody Riddle, who previously owned Blue Water Cafe.
The converted funeral home had been used as housing for international workers participating in the J-1 visa program.
North Shore Health plans to use the property as temporary housing for its staff.
“For years, we’ve had situations where somebody has wanted to come and work for us, but then couldn’t find housing,” North Shore Health CEO Kimber Wraalstad told WTIP. “And so this gives an opportunity for us to have a place for people to land. Like other healthcare organizations, we’re looking at immigration and working with people coming from other countries, and this gives them an opportunity and a place to stay for a period of time.”
North Shore Health is scheduled to close on the property Oct. 31.
WTIP’s Josh Hinke spoke with North Shore Health CEO Kimber Wraalstad and Board Chair Randy Wiitala about the new levies, the nursing home’s new electronic medical record, and other topics from the recent board meeting. The audio of that conversation can be found below.
Josh Hinke August 28, 2025
