Annexation - Eden Township Hospital Dist, 02-15-1972

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S.L. City Council February 3, page 2 St. Rose, both of which are also in the Eden Township. None of these hospitals is a tax burden to the taxpayer, and they have been able to expand as necessary from income and other funds available to them. The occupancy rate of Eden Township Hospital has been in the neighborhood of 57%. Yet the hospital board of directors tells us a $4.6 million expansion program is necessary for additional facilities exclusive of beds. The tax increase referred to is designed to raise this amount of money over a three-year period. However, at no time did the directors of the hospital provide the public with an opportunity to review in detail the need for the expansion prior to setting the increased tax rate, nor did directors present alternate means of financing the improvements which could be reviewed by the public. In fact, it's our understanding the agenda for the evening at the time the tax rate increase was adopted did not even show the subject was to be discussed. - One of the points we raised with the hospital board was whether or not the State Department of Public Health would need to approve the expansion before it can be licensed. The hospital directors said no because the expansion program does not include adding to the number of beds. However, the State Attorney General's office has advised us the State Department of Public Health is now looking into the matter, and an opinion will be issued on some of the points we raised. The opinion number is CV 71/275 IL. All of the foregoing has led the San Leandro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to adopt a policy position calling for the withdrawal of San Leandro from the hospital district. Withdrawal procedures may be initiated by a public body., and we are asking the San Leandro city council, as our public body, to take such steps as are necessary to bring action by the Local Agency Formation Committee of our request. During our studies, a number of citizens and homeowners' representatives have joined with us. There is great disenchant- ment over the way the hospital board has operated, and we believe there is broad citizen support for withdrawal from the district. In addition, leaders of homeowner groups, including Bonair, Halcyon -Foothill, Bay-o-Vista and Marina Citizens for Community Improvement have endorsed a withdrawal action, as has the San Leandro Manufacturers' Association. They are joining in the request that the San Leandro City Council take the initiative in requesting the city's de -annexation from the Eden Township Hospital District. Respectfully yours, Don Fowler Ted Johnson, President Chairman, Tax Committee