COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners has decided to change next week’s working meeting from Tuesday to Monday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. in order to address financial issues at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility and Rehabilitation.
Administrator Jane Sabaitis told Commissioners during their work session last Thursday they are experiencing financial issues that may lead to missed payrolls and unpaid bills.
Her report indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic was mostly to blame for the current situation. Prior to the pandemic, Maple Lawn would run consistently above a 95 percent occupancy rate, today they are at 75 percent.
Factors include the bad wrap that nursing homes have faced during the pandemic, the halt of CNA classes at Community Colleges and the loss of employees due to vaccine requirements.
Revenues for 2022 are down 20 percent, over the same time period in 2021. In addition, Maple Lawn has additional expenses due to the increased cost of supplies, equipment and food.
They have had to adjust wages and give incentives to retain employees. Issues with two major air handlers and a domestic hot water heater are expected to cost about $350,000.
Two proposals have been presented to Commissioners. One was a short term request of a $1 million advance from the county. The second was a long term request for a 10 year millage question on this November’s ballot that would bring in $1.6 million per year.
Commissioners made several requests to Maple Lawn during Tuesday’s meeting. Commission Chair Tim Stoll wanted to see the last three months of financial statements and those from the same time period in 2019. In addition, he wanted a copy of board bylaws.
Commissioner Tom Mathew wanted to review perks for administrative staff and have their automatic pay raises and bonuses stopped until the financial situation is straightened out. He also wanted an oversight board to be created and Maple Lawn board meetings to be open to the public.
If Commissioners decide to put the millage question on this November’s ballot, they have to submit a proposal to the County Clerk’s office by 4:00 p.m. next Tuesday afternoon, August 16, 2022.
I strongly hope that a 10 year millage proposal be added to the November ballot, as I am not sure a short term 1 million dollar allowance will be enough. Maple Lawn is too valuable to this county and has always been operated responsibly. I also don’t think that any changes need to be made regarding oversight… they have operated with consistency and integrity – as the saying goes, “too many cooks spoil the broth”.
Like with many other businesses and industries, this pandemic has created much havoc with Maple Lawn’s operations which were unforeseen. Maple Lawn has served this county well, it is time we come to their aid.