County Board members are still discussing what should be done about the LaSalle County Nursing Home. The home is running at a $3 million loss per year. Director Carrie Becker wants to add a hospice wing and do more fundraising to try and generate revenue. But Board Member Ron Blue of Streator is wondering why all of this should be done if the home could close in the future.
Board Chairman Don Jensen says the board should look at a more long term solution. He says there are still problems hiring staff and getting people into the home because of the pandemic.
The County Board tabled giving $1.3 million in federal COVID relief funds at their last meeting because the home could close. Board Member Robert Lee of Seneca says he was very disappointed with the decision the board made. He says many of his constituents have family at the home.
He and Board Member Gary Small both said at the Nursing Home and Veterans Assistance Commission meeting Monday that they want to keep the home open. Finance Committee Chairman Brian Dose said in June the county could raise taxes to bring in more money, but residents would have to vote on it.