OCEANSIDE — The Oceanside City Council unanimously approved up to $15.55 million in tax-exempt bond financing for TrueCare on Nov. 4 to refinance and expand two of its health care facilities in the city.
TrueCare, a nonprofit federally qualified health center, operates 11 health centers in Oceanside and provides medical, dental, behavioral health and specialty services to about 16,400 city residents each year, primarily those who are low-income or underserved.
TrueCare also operates mobile medical and dental units and offers street medicine and prevention programs such as Puzzling Minds, which helps students manage stress and improve their emotional well-being.
The provider recently expanded its behavioral health services to 20 Oceanside schools through its merger with Palomar Family Counseling Service.
Under the federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act, the city was required to hold a public hearing before approving the tax-exempt bond financing for TrueCare’s facilities at 605 Crouch St. and 3998 Vista Way.
The city’s approval carries no financial obligation for Oceanside.
“TrueCare is solely responsible for repaying the bond,” Salvador Roman, a senior management analyst with the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Department, said at the Nov. 4 council meeting.
The California Municipal Finance Authority will issue the bonds. The joint powers authority was created in 2004 to help local governments, nonprofits and private businesses finance projects that benefit communities across the state. More than 350 municipalities, including Oceanside, are members.
The Vista Way campus expansion will include acute care and chiropractic services, a new health center for women, infants and children, and a new facility for musculoskeletal care and sports medicine.
