2/6/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

BOOK 97 ,PAcE253 A review of this 30 -year lease shows that almost complete autonomy has been given to IRMH, Inc. in that it doesn't reserve much if any control in the elected public authority. In other words the Hospital District has transferred practically all of their statutory responsibility over to IRMH, Inc. In July, 1995, the 4th Court of Appeals considered a very similar lease in another county and found it invalid because it transferred all of its statutory obligations and did not retain any real control or authority in the elected body. Attorney O'Brien felt that pretty much sums up the analysis and history and where we are today. Commissioner Macht felt that it appears that the existing lease that empowers IRMH, Inc. is not constitutional. Commissioner Macht recommended that we convene a.joint meeting with the Hospital District Board of Trustees in full view of the public to discuss the existing lease with a view to opening up renegotiations and requiring some means of accountability. Commissioner Eggert felt there is a lot of information that the public would like to have. She received many calls yesterday from people saying they understood that all those bonuses were paid from tax money, which is not necessarily true. It is a very frustrating situation and she felt it would be very helpful to have a workshop with the Hospital District Board of Trustees. If the IRMH, Inc. board of directors wants to participate, they should be invited. She had been planning on recommending a joint meeting to explain the Hospital District programs, so it might be very appropriate to have two different workshops or perhaps one big workshop. Commissioner Macht suggested that the first meeting be held with the Hospital District Board of Trustees because the IRMH, Inc. Board of Directors is solely empowered by the elected trustees. He felt that most of the people on both boards are very fine people but they are working with a document that is not legal and needs to be revised. Commissioner Macht felt it needs to be said that he has received one threat and received one call from one of the members of the IRMH, Inc. board of directors telling him to mind his own business, that the County Commission has nothing to do with the operation of the hospital. He finds that revolting. Commissioner Eggert felt we should have a meeting whether it be one large meeting or two separate meetings. She did feel that in addition to that meeting, that if IRMH, Inc. board wants to say anything to this Commission at any time, they should be allowed to do that. 82 FEBRUARY 6, 1996 W M M