In 1883, Lassen County built its first hospital, along the Susan River, just west of Susanville for $630. The next obstacle for the county to contend with, how to fund its operations. The county levied an annual poll tax. The ordinance quite simple.

“That there shall be levied and collected for the maintenance of the County Hospital for each male inhabitant of the County Of Lassen, over twenty-one and under sixty years of age, except pauper, insane persons and Indians not taxed, a Hospital poll tax of one dollar.”

It is interesting to note that the payment be made to the County Assessor. Those who were delinquent it was the duty of County Tax Collector to seek payment.

Tim