Letters to the editor
To the Editor:
I feel that it's important to clarify some comments regarding St. Luke Hospital in last week's "Your Turn."
First, bonuses were paid to the St. Luke employees; however, these bonuses were paid from an unexpected rebate from our employee health insurance plan. The rebate came from premiums which were partially paid by St. Luke employees. Administration and the board felt it was important to give the money back to those who created it.
Second, while we did increase the rent for the physicians in the clinic, it is important to understand why. Federal law requires that hospital-owned clinic space be leased to non-employed physicians at fair market value. Fair market value was determined by an independent third party and the lease was set at the minimum rate allowed.
Board discussion regarding these decisions can get very long and complicated. I realize that a short newspaper synopsis cannot give all the details and reason for our actions; therefore, I would encourage anyone who has comments or questions to call me at 382-2177.
Jeremy Armstrong, CEO
St. Luke Hospital & Living Center
To the Editor:
I have never written a letter to the editor before, but I feel I must. I was given credit for something I did not do.
In the Jan. 10 issue of the Marion County Record, it was written that I "organized a community effort in Florence that could very well result in the rescue of a small grocery business."
I did not organize the meeting. The concerned citizens in Florence organized the public meeting between the community and the store owner.
What a fabulous idea! I was asked to facilitate the meeting and I must tell you, I felt honored to be asked!
The community and the store owner really pulled together in this meeting and they are the ones that deserve all the credit. They stepped up to the plate and showed what community is all about.
Teresa L. Huffman
Marion County Economic Development Secretary
