Rotary Hears About Nursing Home Tax Issue

The Grundy County Nursing Home District tax issue was the topic of a program presented to the Trenton Rotary Club during its meeting on Thursday. Donita Youtsey was the program chairman.
Allan Seidel presented information about the issue, which will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. The district is seeking a 15-cent increase to its current 15-cent levy, which has been the same since establishment of the district in 1973. If approved, the levy would generate $180,000 in additional revenues for Sunnyview Nursing Home and Apartments, which is operated by the district.
Seidel noted that while the levy has remained the same over the years, expenses have continued to rise, with many due to changes in state and federal regulations. Facility improvements that have been put off over the years are now needed, the most important being replacement of the original boiler system used to heat the facility as well as replacement of the patient call-system and a new oven to cook meals for residents. With the nursing home also competing with area medical facilities for qualified staff, additional money would also help improve salaries and benefits offered. The district over the years has also expanded the services it offers to its residents.
Seidel said that 58.8 percent of all residents at Sunnyview qualify for Medicaid, which currently pays $144.77 of the $173 per day needed to take care of residents. Mrs. Youtsey, who is administrator at Sunnyview, said the nursing home loses just over $28 per day on those residents. She noted that the 2015 fiscal year budget ended with a loss.
Private pay, insurance and Medicare residents make up the rest of the nursing home population. There are currently 110 individuals residing in the nursing home and apartments.
During the business meeting, President Gary Jordan reminded members about the district dinner on Nov. 5 in Kansas City. Persons wanting to go are to contact Elizabeth Gibson to get registered.
Next week’s program chairman is John Anthony.