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That is how they expanded Alchohope to 27 beds. Dale Patchett was instrumental in lobbying the Legislature for those funds. Chairman Scurlock, as one Commissioner, stated he could not commit at this time based on the information given to us today, but Mr. Gorham emphasized that this is a one-time opportunity to expand the program. Commissioner Bird felt there is no question that we need a treatment facility in this area, and would not mind biting the bullet to buy the facility, especially if we could spread it over 3 years. However, he felt the Commission is concerned about writing a blank check for the operation of the center. Mr. Gorham believed it would be very unconscionable for them to come here and ask the Commission to purchase the building and then come back in two years or so and say that you had to fund the whole thing. He stated that he would not do that. They would sell it first, and give the counties their money back. Commissioner Eggert pointed out that is stipulated under Condition #8. Mr. Gorham advised that St. Lucie County has committed to $350,000, and they are scheduled'to present the proposal to Martin County this afternoon and Okeechobee County next week. Commissioner Bird felt that if we commit to this purchase, we would want to feel very comfortable that we have a certain number of beds reserved for Indian River County patients. Being realistic, however, those .beds should have full utilization, because this is a regional problem. A drug user from another county can break into someone's home or shoot someone in a convenience store in our county Mr. Gorham explained that in order to have full utilization of all of the beds, they could set up an administrative process that would guarantee that each county would give its permission to use one or more of their beds if needed and available. Commissioner Bird was willing to make some kind of commitment that we would do our share in purchasing the facility, JUL12 1988 8 BOOK 73 214