Sandoval County commissioners unanimously voted to approve health facilities agreements with UNM Sandoval County Regional Medical Center and Presbyterian Healthcare Services during their meeting last Thursday.

What does this all mean for the citizens of Rio Rancho? It means that the county has decided how to divvy up the tax funds from the 4.25-mill tax increase that voters approved last November. The funds are to be used for “an expanded range of services,” contrary to the rumor flying around that the tax increase was for hospital construction. This is why people should read their ballots a little more closely.

What the commission did last Thursday was set up parameters for distributing the money between the two hospitals, with an even split the next four years and then distributing the money based on emergency room visits and in-patient stays. UNM will continue to get funds for behavioral health programs as Presbyterian doesn’t have these programs. It seems to us like a fair distribution. Both hospitals will experience startup costs the first five years that will need to be funded equally. After that, the funds will go to the hospital with the most patients. It makes sense.

Commissioner Darryl Madalena was right to encourage the hospitals to have American Indian representation on their community service boards. Pueblo healthcare is sometimes seriously lacking and American Indians have as much to gain from healthcare in Rio Rancho as any of us.

That said, we feel these contracts put Rio Rancho and Sandoval County one step closer to having top-notch healthcare facilities. In addition to the health benefits this provides the community, it also helps create jobs and establish a more visible profile for Rio Rancho.