Early voting begins for Wishard referendum

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Early voting began Monday in Marion County's special election. The big issue on the ballot is the construction of a 1.2 million square foot Wishard Hospital complex.

The county clerk's office said 86 people participated in early voting Monday.

Here's a riddle for Marion County taxpayers: What do Lucas Oil Stadium and the proposed Wishard Hospital complex have in common? Answer: They have roughly the same price tag.

If voters approve, the new Wishard Hospital will cost $754 million. But hospital leaders said unlike the new stadium, with its budget-busting operational costs, Wishard will largely pay for itself.

"We are not asking for any tax increases at all because of the operations that we provide. We at Wishard and Health and Hospital Corporation, generate revenues each year," said Matt Gutwein, President and CEO of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County.

In recent years, the corporation has generated healthy revenues. For example, the hospital projects a surplus of about $55 million for 2009. Hospital leaders plan to use those revenues to pay off the bonds needed to build the new hospital complex.

But Wishard has struggled financially in the past. Gutwein said even if it should fail to raise needed revenue, property tax increases won't be necessary.

"We have the ability to not only generate revenues like we're generating now, but we also have the ability to manage our expenses. That makes us a little bit different than Lucas Oil Stadium," he said.

Gutwein points out that, unlike the stadium, 60 percent of the hospital's expenses are variable and can be reduced if needed.

The special election is November 3. Early voting started Monday and continues through November 1.

Voters still need a state-issued picture ID to cast a vote despite a recent court ruling declaring the requirement unconstitutional .

"We expect the Supreme Court to be reviewing that decision," said Beth White, Marion County Clerk. "And, based on what the lawyers are telling me, there is not a final decision yet. So bring your ID to early voting or Election Day from 6 (a.m.) to 6 (p.m.). If you're voting by mail, you do not have to have an ID."

Voters in Perry, Beech Grove and Franklin Townships are also considering school funding changes.