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McCook Gazette

Our opinion

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.

Comments
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  • I also believe taxes, not a belief that Hillcrest is not needed, is a main reason the voters rejected the ballot issue. Our area needs the facility. It is my hope it remains an important part of our community.

    -- Posted by dennis on Wed, Sep 28, 2016, at 3:18 PM

  • All that is needed there is solid financial management. Which has been lacking there for some time. Board needs to get pro-active to see this is done. Micro-management is not required, just oversight and accountability would be good things going forward.

    -- Posted by allstar69 on Wed, Sep 28, 2016, at 6:18 PM

  • All star, I agree. Hillcrest Board needs to be more involved And the County Commissioners need to be the oversite of the Hillcrest Board.

    -- Posted by dennis on Wed, Sep 28, 2016, at 7:57 PM

  • The Hillcrest Board needs to be more involved and the county commissioners need to provide another level of over site

    -- Posted by dennis on Wed, Sep 28, 2016, at 8:02 PM

  • I don't recall ever asking my neighbors or other community residents for help when I needed to replace my roof. It's called balanced budget, watching your bottom line, saving and being held accountable. I'm tired of bailing out everyone else and no one coming to my rescue.

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Wed, Oct 5, 2016, at 10:14 AM

  • well, wouldn't help you even if you asked rural, in no way shape or form do you deserve a handout. your not a govenment or cheritable entity and your income isnt based on tax revenue. would you be willing to take in an elderly person into your home and care for them? how do you even compare your life to an entity?

    -- Posted by BTWinecleff on Wed, Oct 5, 2016, at 7:00 PM

  • Excuse me? I've never asked for a handout nor would I take one. It was an "example". An entity as you say doesn't deserve a handout either. They are given a budget...with the taxes that I pay in already. If they can't stick within their budget, why should I pay more for their inability to balance and management properly?

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Thu, Oct 6, 2016, at 8:02 AM

  • BTW, to answer your question if I'd take in an elderly person and care for them. For the last 15 years, I've had my parents with me until the day they die just so they wouldn't have to go to an entity where they wouldn't have that one on one personal care. So yes, I would, I have and will do it again for family.

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Thu, Oct 6, 2016, at 8:04 AM
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