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Especially pernicious and costly to the taxpayers is the restrictive covenant between District and Hospital that prohibits District from obtaining equal but less expensive care for qualified indigent patients other than at Indian River Memorial Hospital. If t'he restrictive covenant did not exist, economic pressures might force the hospital to lower its rates. I hope this meeting produces meaningful and satisfactory.' results.__ it doesn't I foresee a groundswell of anger among `rurtratad cltizens that will force changes which may not be in-the nest interest of those who live in Indian River County and .use Indian River Memorial Hospital. The audience applauded after Dr. Sowell finished reading his statement. Mrs. Ingram recalled that at the time the District determined to pay 95% of the costs for indigent care, it seemed the appropriate thing to do. Today, however, it is not the right thing to do, which is why we are revisiting the contract. Rev. Lord . pointed out that both Boards need to understand that the reimbursement rate needs to be changed. They are addressing that and they expect to.have some sort of agreement within a couple of months. Commissioner Macht felt the reason for the public's concern about the bonuses was rolled up into the concern about the cost of indigent care -when the hospital is making a profit. Mr. Montuoro advised that matter will be addressed at tonight's meeting of the Hospital District Board of Trustees. They have been paying too much and he didn't believe that indigent care should be contributing to the profit. Somebody has to pay for it, however. We are blessed to have an excellent hospital with an excellent staff in our community. Commissioner Macht asked why the contract says nonprofit, and Attorney Polackwich_understood that back in 1984 it.primarily-was to allow some for profit subsidiaries in the hospital, such as the bill collection operation. Commissioner Macht felt that Item #4 on the Agenda has been all rolled up into Items 2 and 3. In response to Chairman Adams' inquiry, Mr. Montuoro agreed to the Chairman opening the meeting to public input if people keep 7 MARCH 21 1996 BOOK 97 PAGF.669