Now that the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners has taken another step down the road to selling the county-owned nursing home, a few points are worthy of emphasis.
Posted: Friday, July 3, 2009 12:00 am
Now that the Lancaster County Board of Commissioners has taken another step down the road to selling the county-owned nursing home, a few points are worthy of emphasis.
- First, the board's continuing exploration of options is timely and legitimate.
As the advisory committee that studied the matter pointed out, the county faces sizable future investments - including software to solve billing issues, and building renovation to correct deficiencies in the Alzheimer's unit and to increase the number of electrical outlets for medical equipment needed to care for an increasing number of Medicare patients.
It should be noted that only a minority of counties in Nebraska operate their own nursing home. Nationally, only 6 percent of nursing homes are government owned.
- Second, the board should keep the process of deciding the future of the manor as open and transparent as possible.
So far the board's record in that regard has been acceptable. The board's decision to seek the advice of a volunteer advisory board added to public understanding of the issue. The committee's nine-page report, which has been available for several weeks now, is a valuable contribution to dialogue on the issue.
The board also should be commended for holding public hearings on the issue, giving employees, residents, the community and workers a chance to voice their views on the future of the manor.
It is crucial, however, that the board continue that policy. Currently, the negotiations are being conducted behind closed doors, and the potential buyer has not been identified.
If the board negotiates a managed sale, as recommended by the advisory committee, the details of the arrangement should be fully explained, and adequate time should be allowed for the public to understand and react to the proposal.
It would he helpful if the board would clarify the process and assure the public of future opportunities for review and comment.
- Last, the board's primary responsibility is to serve the overall interests of the public.
One of the most vocal groups opposing a change in the status quo are the employees of the manor. Certainly their informed views carry considerable weight. Some have devoted years of service to caring for manor residents.
In the end, however, their views are only one of the many considerations that must be weighed as the board continues its exploration of options.
Like many in the community, the Journal Star editorial board has reached no conclusion yet on whether the manor should be sold. We await more information.