October 16, 2013

Our entire packet is available to the public at http://rockislandcounty.org/WorkArea/linkit.aspx?LinkIdentifier=id&ItemID=36994&libID=1000004855

Previous packets can be viewed online by going to county board minutes and agenda and click on the date of the meeting to download the pdf at http://rockislandcounty.org/CountyBoard.aspx?id=35955#CB

A lot of serious issues were discussed at last night’s Rock Island County Board meeting: 

Courthouse Referendum
It was recommended by the space/needs consultant, CGL to the Ad Hoc committee tasked with reviewing the courthouse issue to build a new court faculty, vacate the existing building (leaving it empty), and refurbishing the existing Rock Island County Office Building at 1504 3rd Avenue, Rock Island.

The location for the new building would be in the existing parking lot for the courthouse, which is option 2, county owned north site below:



A referendum is planned for the March 2014 ballot. 

The ¼ ¢ sales tax proposed referendum:
The ¼ ¢ sales tax proposed referendum is an effort to balance the general fund deficit of $ is to fix the $1.5 million budget deficit for the general budget.  The sales tax collected would be put into funds that will go towards public safety. This will decrease the obligation from the general fund budget thereby helping with the deficit, offsetting what would have come out to the Sheriff's budget. No change in the Sheriff's budget just where the money comes from. 

Right now the deficit stands at:

Revenue: $25,100,313
Expenses: $26,882,758
Deficit: $1,782,445
 

Save Hope Creek:
Last Wednesday, we were hit with a press release (click here to see release) regarding the possible sale or lease of Hope Creek Nursing Home.  What they were going to vote on last night (but didn't have the language ready) was a referendum to raise the tax levy.  The proposal would seek to raise the average homeowner of a $150,000 home would pay an estimated additional $79.55 per year on their real estate taxes. 

From the packet online at the county web site:  2013= 150,000 x .3333 (assessed value) = 49,995 - 6,000 (owner-occupied) = 43,995 x .0168 =- $469.87
Compared to the current 2012 rate = 150,000 x .3333 (assessed value) = 49,995 - 6,000 (owner-occupied) = 43,995 x .008872 = $390.32.

$469.87 - $ 390.32 =$79.55 proposed increase for in property tax rate.

One reason sited for the financial trouble with Hope Creek is the changing the mix of the Medicaid ratio.  We were told last night that Hope Creek loses $70 per day for every resident on Medicaid.  That is $9380 loss per day.  Hope Creek has over 50% for Medicaid.  $14,650 per day is spent on a average range of between 30 and 34 residents while awaiting Medicaid approval where the county pays 100% during that period.

We were told that this amounts to a $3,423,700 annual loss.

Another major issue facing Hope Creek is the lack of reimbursement from the state.  We were told last night that by March 2014, Hope Creek will be out of funds.  Legislative action could be a possible route to change the state statute for payer mix reducing Medicaid.  Also we were told that the county wishes to look at short-term borrowing mechanisms

The committee is asking for cooperation from labor, the county board, and the community to assure Rock Island County cares for its senior residents.

To maintain ownership of Hope Creek, it has to be sustainable by the county.

Please email me or call me at (309) 235-7493.