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Editorial
Ballot rejection not sign voters don't support Hillcrest
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
One hundred sixty more people opposed than favored giving Red Willow County power to levy taxes for Hillcrest Nursing Home, according to unofficial results from the mail-in ballot.
The ballot question, which would have raised Red Willow County's tax levy slightly to target the nursing home's roof repair needs, was rejected by 1,292-1,136, according to Tuesday night's count.
Our community has been served well by Hillcrest Nursing Home, we are fortunate to have maintained a county-owned facility over the years. Plus, Red Willow County Commission Chairman Earl McNutt assures residents the county will do everything it can to keep the nursing home open.
But in the last year, voters approved an increased sales tax, county and city leaders raised levies slightly and while the college lowered its levy, increased property valuations actually enabled it to raise its tax asking at the same time.
It's not often voters actually have a chance to vote against paying more taxes, and that's what they did this time.
Hillcrest is in the process of getting its financial house in order, and the funding certainly would have helped in that regard, particularly the quarter-million dollars that could have gone toward much-needed roof repair.
McCook and Red Willow County residents should be proud of their nursing home, which provides an important service for their neighbors and relatives who vitally need it.
We'll take the commissioners' word for it that they'll do all they can to keep it open and operating efficiently.
That said, we doubt taxpayers have heard the last of the issue.