Hillcrest project advances

McCOOK,Nebraska -- The Hillcrest Board of Trustees unanimously approved paying four bills totaling more than $200,000, for the renovation/upgrade project under way at the facility.

The project is estimated to cost $2.7 million when completed.

Approved Tuesday morning at the regular board meeting were a total of four bills, two for RaDec Construction of Hartington, Nebraska and two for Prochaska Professional Services, of Omaha, for a total of $208,355.46.

The bulk of the bills were paid to Ra Dec Construction, the construction management firm for the project, for invoices at $79,301.02 and $129,054.44. Two more invoices were approved for Prochaska Professional Services, at $22,595.27 and $6,239.60.

Hillcrest Nursing Home is owned by Red Willow County. Red Willow County Commissioners must approve action taken by the trustees.

Hillcrest Administrator Peggy Rogers told the board that the facility population was 91 as of Tuesday, down from 96 the month before. Rogers said funding came from Medicare, 3 percent, Medicaid, 51 percent, and private pay, 46 percent.

Hillcrest is looking to replace two full-time nurses, among other open staff positions, Rogers said.

She added that the facility will receive $34,000 in reimbursement from the Medicare Cost Report that was completed.

Although not on the agenda, the board entered executive session to discuss issues related to residents.