Published: Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 9:17 p.m. Last Modified: Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 9:17 p.m.

Some of the officials charged with recommending one of the three are already albeit tentatively eyeing favorites.

Munroe's overseers, the Marion County Hospital District trustees, are looking to potentially lease the 421-bed facility. The public, nonprofit hospital is struggling financially and lacks money to expand and remain competitive.

In November, voters will be asked to approve a one-mill property tax measure that would support the hospital. The tax would generate an estimated $65 million over five years. If the referendum passes, the trustees are expected to forgo any new lease agreement for the foreseeable future.

In the meantime, the trustees are considering outside proposals.

On Tuesday, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, a joint venture between Duke University Health System, Inc. and LifePoint Hospitals, made a two-hour pitch.

That was followed by a two-hour presentation from a partnership between Health Management Associates and Shands HealthCare.

On Wednesday, Community Health Systems rounded out the presentations with a pitch as to why it should be allowed to operate the hospital as part of a 40-year lease proposal.

The presentations were made to the trustee-formed, eight-member Strategic Options Workgroup, which will make recommendations to all of the trustees. Some members of the public also attended.

"I don't think anyone provided a knockout," said Randy Klein, a workgroup member. "I'm like the undecided voter."

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Health care suitors make pitches for Munroe