More about Hillcrest, county

Dear Editor,

We hear a lot about misinformation campaigns these days. I would like to present some facts that were absent from Mr. Harpst’s letter.

1. The Red Willow County Board of Commissioners has no power over the sale of Hillcrest Nursing Home. That choice lies solely with the Hillcrest Board of Trustees.

2. Red Willow County underwrote a loan of $1M in 2012 to keep Hillcrest afloat.

3. The County continues to pay for the $1.295M bond, spending approximately $150,000 annually, and will probably be forced to continue until 2032 or until Hillcrest is solvent again.

4. The nursing home is but a small branch of the County. Attention and needs must be balanced with the other areas that the Board of Commissioners is responsible for. It would be irresponsible for the Board to prioritize one part to the exclusion of all others.

Penny Cooper,

Deputy County Clerk