Commission gives money to Samaritan's Touch

Although two attorneys and the clerk of courts advised against granting $123,000 to Samaritan's Touch, the county commissioners voted 3-0 Tuesday for the organization.

"They have a Christian faith component," County Attorney Ross Macbeth cautioned the commissioners. "I really don't know what the facts are, but they are going to continue doing what they are doing. They don't plan to make any change, because they don't want to."

Samaritan's Touch, according to its web page on the Florida Hospital Heartland Division website, offers "free medical examinations, lab testing, prescription medications, health education, emotional support and spiritual support."

Executive director Diana Furr said spiritual counseling is not forced, it comes at the request of the patient. However, she added two weeks ago, sometimes doctors and nurses pray for a patient regardless of whether the patient participates.

Samaritan's Touch supplied several affidavits to that effect, Furr said to the commissioners. "You have each been to Samaritan's Touch. You know that what we have put in the affidavits is true."

She complained that Macbeth advised her to put away the religious symbols.

"It's clear they provide a tremendous service," Commission Chair Don Bates said. At attorney Bud Furr's suggestion, Bates said he'd have no problem if the Highlands County hospital district went around the commissioners and granted the money directly to Samaritan's Touch.

At the end of an hour-long discussion, Commissioner Barbara Stewart moved to grant the money to the group, but Clerk of Courts Bob Germaine asked her to add that Samaritan's Touch would use the money for health care only, not for spiritual counseling.

"I hate to rain on your parade," Macbeth interjected, but the constitution doesn't say that the government can't fund a religious organization if it promises it use the money for health care, it says government can't fund a religious organization.

Stewart called for a vote on the question without the amendment. Bates, Guy Maxcy and Stewart voted for it. Jeff Carlson and Edgar Stokes were absent.

DCA appeal

Macbeth expected an eight-day trial if Highlands County appeals the Department of Community Affairs ruling against Lake Placid Groves, Lake Placid North and South, and Blue Head Ranch subdivisions.

Stewart asked Macbeth to propose a budget for an appeals hearing.

In the meantime, the county plans to ask for a settlement hearing, Bates said. "We don't want to go to an administrative hearing if we have an opportunity to settle."

To clear up a misconception that may exist with the public, Community Services Director Mark Hill said the county is required to prepare a comprehensive plan every seven years. However, he said in answer to a question, the county doesn't have to propose the four subdivisions to which DCA is objecting.