Community Profile GOVERNMENT Washington is governed by the Mayor-Council type of government, with a paid administrator. SCHOOLS Washington public schools carry a State Department of Education MSIP rating and are approved by the University of Missouri and the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Parochial schools include St. Francis Borgia Regional High School, which is approved by the State of Missouri, and is accredited as a college preparatory high school by North Central Accrediting Association; St. Francis Borgia Elementary School, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Grade School and the Immanuel Lutheran Grade School are accredited through the MO Chapter of the National Federation of Nonpublic Schools State Accrediting Association. Immanuel Lutheran Grade School is also accredited through the National Lutheran School Accreditation. LIBRARIES The Washington Public Library contains over 48,000 volumes and subscribes to some 125 periodicals, has internet access and processes passports. It is staffed by four full-time and five part-time librarians and is open daily. The Franklin County Scenic Regional Library, comprised of Franklin, Gasconade and Warren County Library Districts, is headquartered in Union. The Library has 257,746 books and other items. A Reciprical Lenders Agreement between Scenic Regional Library and the Washington Library allows cardholding individuals to use both libraries CHURCHES Please click on CHURCHES link in the left bar to view a list of area churches and times of worship. HEALTH & MEDICAL SERVICES St. John's Mercy Hospital, a level-3 trauma center located in Washington, is a 187-bed acute care facility, which is a member of the Sisters of Mercy health system. The hospital has been the recipient of the National Top 100 Hospitals Award five times. In 2005 the hospital received the PRiMARIS Award from the State of Missouri. Only one hospital in the state receives this annual award. The Mercy Doctors' Building, located adjacent to the hospital, has over 35 physicians covering a multitide of specialties. This building also houses a pharmacy, an optical shop, dental clinic, rehabilitation and wellness centers. Patients First Health Care, an independent, multi-specialty group with 89 physicians, offers primary care and 20 specialties in 21 patient centers across six counties. The Washington facility includes six treatment centers, urgent care and outpatient surgery. Cedarcrest Manor, a 184-bed nursing home is located in the center of Washington. Grandview, a 102-bed nursing home facility overlooking the City Park, is located on the west end of Washington. Washington Residential Care Center, on East 5th Street, is a 20-bed assisted living facility which has recently added a 14 unit Alzheimer/ Dementia facility called The Arbors. Bristol Manor, a 12-room residential care facility, is located on West 12th Street. FIRE DEPARTMENT The Washington Volunteer Fire Department serves Washington. Approximately 60% of all major industries in Washington are equipped with sprinkler systems. Fire protection is also provided for plants and residents outside of the city limits. Within the city limits, the fire classification is Class 3; outside of the city limits, the classification can be between a Class 3 and a Class 7. POLICE DEPARTMENT Twenty-eight people serve on the Washington Police Department along with six reserve officers. Police protection is afforded industries and residents within the city limits only, with county protection offered outside the city limits.