Hillcrest Nursing Home roof repair nearly done

McCOOK, Neb. — The majority of roofing repairs at Hillcrest Nursing Home are completed.

The repairs consisted of replacing the membrane on a portion of the facility’s roof. Contractors will return to finish up a small area, according to Brad Cheek, Hillcrest administrator. There are no major leaks in this area, he clarified, as the remainder of the work is preventative maintenance.

The Hillcrest Foundation funded the cost of the repairs. Cheek was not sure of the total cost of the project and a call to Randy Dean, Hillcrest Board of Trustees president, was not returned.

In September 2016, in a mail-in special election ballot, Red Willow County voters narrowly voted against a measure to raise $254,480 for roof repair, by increasing the county’s budgeted restricted funds by an additional 6 percent over the 2 1/2 percent annual allowable growth. A total of 1,296 ballots were cast against the request, with 1,136 ballots cast in favor. At the time, Red Willow County Commissioner Earl McNutt, commenting on the results, said he believed the public supports the facility but did not want another tax.

In recapping Tuesday’s Board of Trustees meeting, Cheek said the recent fundraiser, “Night on the Hill,” was deemed a success with slightly over $5,000 raised. Proceeds from this fundraiser help fund scholarships to selected employees who wish to further their medical careers.

On financials, Cheek said there was a positive cash flow.

The nursing home is owned by the county but operates from its own revenue. In 2012, Red Willow County Commissioners bailed out the facility with its cash flow problems by borrowing $1 million for Hillcrest. Hillcrest made the final payment on that loan in July of this year.

The facility has the capacity for 100 residents. The current population census is at 83, that includes one bed-hold, 9 in assisted living, 1 in hospice, 8 for Medicare, 24 in private pay, 42 for state care, (Medicaid), and 3 qualified for Veteran’s Administration.