While Mr. Warren may be correct that there is some deep rooted animosity between the parties at play here, this quote from the article should be the most alarming for the taxpayers currently on the hook for this project:
"It’s a private agreement between private entities, the details of which will remain private."
Seems like the whole pitch of a public/private partnership went out the window as soon as the bond vote was passed by the commission and there was no longer a need to stand in front of them asking for more.
Brad Wardlaw
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I agree with Mr. Wardlaw’s concern—and here’s why.
Erlanger is not a private company. It became a nonprofit in 2023, which means it is legally and ethically bound to operate in the public interest. Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits cannot distribute profits to individuals and are required to reinvest all revenue into their mission. In exchange for tax-exempt status, they are also required to provide transparency to the public.
This includes disclosing financial details through Form 990 filings, which outline revenue, expenses, assets, liabilities and executive compensation. That’s why the claim that this is simply “a private agreement between private entities” rings hollow. Nonprofits are not private in the traditional sense—they are granted special privileges because they serve the public. That service includes financial accountability.
When Erlanger cuts raises, lays off staff, and is under continued scrutiny in federal court, it’s fair for the public to ask: why is it prioritizing a stadium naming deal over core hospital functions? More importantly, why are we being told it’s none of our business?
Public trust is earned through transparency, not secrecy. If this truly is a partnership meant to benefit the community, the community deserves to know the terms.
Colleen Kirk
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If Erlanger Hospital is jointly owned by the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County, shouldn't FOIA apply?
Jay Reed