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AUG 25 198251 122 °BEIMEACH r VERO BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION CIVIC "The objectives and purposes shall be to preserve, foster and promote the beauty, natural resources ASSN. and good government of the City of Vero Beach and Indian River County." P.O. Box 3381 Vero Beach, A. 32960 STATEMENT OF THE VERO BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON AUGUST 25, 1982 RELATIVE TO THE INDIAN RIVER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. At its Annual Meeting in February 1982, the Vero Beach Civic Association Board of Directors and the membership present took the following position relative to the Indian River Memorial Hospital: 'That the operation of the Indian River Memorial Hospital be thoroughly analyzed and all viable options, based on factual data, be investigated to determine the best and most efficient mode of operation that can'be put into effect for the benefit of the citizens of Indian River County." That was our position then - it is our position now. As for the Current Situation: 1. We stand for and support good responsible government, conducted according to law and good business procedures. We deplore untimely pressure brought by low level attacks, extremism, and emotion. 2. The Long Range Planni.ng Committee is currently in the middle of its deliberations and studies of the options on the best form of governance of our hospital. It is recommended that it be allowed to finish its assigned tasks, complete its written report and hold public hearings, as promised. Then the public will be informed and able to propertly evaluate the hospital situation. No emergency exists which would make such a course unacceptable. 3. The forcing of a commitment for a referendum on the November General Election is illogical. Any referendum to be properly worded requires all the facts to be in the hands of the greatest possible number of voters. As of now, the proponents simply talk of a referendum on -- whether or not to sell the hospital. To set a date for a referendum as a means to pressure the Long Range Planning- Committee to complete its work under duress does not make for carefully judged and responsi- ble conclusions, and is virtually impossible. 4. The Vero Beach Civic Association periodically makes statistical studies to clarify various issues. The following data indicate the extent of tax support to the Indian River Memorial Hospital since 1977. A. For the past five (5) years (1977 through 1981) that portion of your property tax bill that has been levied for hospital purposes has averaged $5.32 per $100 of tax. B. For the year 1980 it was 23.4¢ per $100 of tax. C. For the year 1981 it was $3.63 per $100 of tax. D. For 1982 it will be approximately $2.95 per $100 of tax. Are these amounts breaking anybody's back? We do not think so. Lomax Gwathmey, President 1n