Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Vote to Keep Valley View Going

When long-time businessman Les Hanson donated land nearly 50 years ago, for what was to become the Valley View Nursing Home, he could not have imagined what it would grow into and the impact it would have on Glasgow and Valley County. It was a choice location, overlooking Glasgow and the Milk River Valley, providing a beautiful and commanding view for the Home’s residents. Beginning with a modest 60 beds, it soon grew to accommodate 92 residents and now has 96 beds. In the mid-1990’s, improvements were made to the dining and activities areas and a wing was established for dementia/special care residents. Throughout its existence, staff and administration have focused on maintaining the wellness, safety and high level of care of each resident while doing their utmost to respect their privacy, dignity and wishes.

In recent years, it has been necessary to rely more and more on State Medicaid payments to provide an affordable level of care, since the share of residents relying on Medicaid has increased to 70 percent. Unfortunately, over the years, those payments became increasingly inadequate to cover the cost of providing a proper level of care while conforming to standards required by the federal government, resulting in a substantial loss in operating revenue in recent years. Additionally, with the tightened budget that these losses now require, the Home has not been able to keep up with the routine maintenance necessary for a 50-year building. A State inspection last year uncovered a number of serious issues requiring immediate attention. While the current administrator has resolved most all of those issues, there is still a need for a long-range solution. Structural issues need to be addressed as well as a way to manage the annual operating loss.

To deal with these issues, Valley County property owners are being asked to provide a short-term and a long-term solution. A 10-mill levy, over a two-year period, is being proposed. That proposal will be voted on Sept. 7, 2017, by mail-in ballot. Then, on May 20, 2018, Valley County voters will be asked to approve a continuance of the levy, not to exceed 10 mills, on a permanent basis, beginning with the 2019 tax year. Ten mills will cost taxpayers approximately $13.50 a year for every $100,000 of their property value.

To prevent a closing of this very valuable community resource, please mark YES on your mail-in ballot for the Sept. 7 election and again for the election on May 20, 2018.

Kyla Burns is Marketing Specialist for Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital.

 

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