Speciality Tax Could Revive Olney Maternity Care
Richard Harding, who moved to Olney in 2021 with his wife Debra, a retired nurse, is drawing on decades of experience in public finance and health care advocacy as he explores a possible path for funding rural maternity care in Texas.
Before relocating to Young County, Mr. Harding helped pass specialty sales taxes in Colorado that provided longterm support for rural hospitals at a time when many were facing financial collapse. Letters from Colorado officials describe Mr. Harding as a central figure in drafting legislation, developing ballot language and organizing campaigns that generated hundreds of millions of dollars for county services, including hospital operations and public safety .
Mr. Harding’s work extended beyond roads and bridges. According to former Delta Health Hospital System marketing and communications director Jacqueline Davis, Mr. Harding urged hospital leaders in Delta, Colorado, to pursue a sales tax strategy after the COVID-19 pandemic left the system in dire financial condition. Ms. Davis credited Mr. Harding with helping open discussions that ultimately stabilized hospital finances and strengthened ties between the hospital and the county .
In Montrose County, Mr. Harding’s efforts helped avert financial disaster when an existing sales tax was set to expire and county infrastructure was crumbling. Former Montrose County interim manager David White wrote that Mr. Harding worked closely with county engineers and commis- sioners to craft voter-approved taxes that have since raised more than $252 million. Mr. White described Mr. Harding as “extremely resourceful and very creative,” adding that his expertise in law and planning earned the trust of local governments.
Mr. Harding said he is considering pursuing similar legislation in Texas, tailored specifically to rural obstetric services. He has already drawn interest from lawmakers.
Mr. Harding has contacted Texas Rep. David Spiller’s office to explore a bill that would authorize a special local sales tax dedicated to maternity care, including the construction, operation and maintenance of facilities for delivering babies in rural communities.
“I anticipate writing the bill myself, and I have not ruled out a special session,” Mr. Harding said.
Mr. Harding said even if state legislation were approved, any such tax would still require local voter approval.
Mr. Harding framed his interest in maternity care as both a policy issue and a moral one, pointing to his wife’s career as a nurse and the growing number of rural communities losing access to labor and delivery services.
Olney Hamilton Hospital CEO Mike Huff said he welcomed hearing about the concept and appreciated Mr. Harding’s willingness to share his experience.