Pocono News Section

Future of Lackawanna County's Nursing Home Uncertain

Future of Lackawanna County's Nursing Home Uncertain - Monday, March 23, 2009 at 5:15PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Mar 23, 2009 @ 05:15pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Lackawanna County Commissioners came under fire Monday morning during their first annual State of the County address.

The main concern from one woman in the audience, whether or not plans are being finalized to sell the county's nursing home in Blakely. Nursing home worker Ann Marie Collarini said, “All of the employees have mixed emotions. They don't know whether they're going to have a job -- or whether they're going to close."

Collarini has worked at the facility for the last six years. Right now, the 272-bed nursing home accounts for nearly $20-million of the county budget. It loses $600,000 a year. “We have to think about all the taxpayers. The people who are paying the bills. That’s what it really comes down to. Difficult choices," said Commissioner Mike Washo.

Commissioners say the choice boils down to either closing the nursing home or raising taxes by 20%. Commissioner Corey O'Brien said, “What I can tell you today, is we will not raise taxes in 2010, that's not in the cards. We're going to do everything we can in other areas."

While nothing is official, it’s that answer that has workers and especially residents on edge.
”They're probably a little bit scared, wondering what’s going to happen to them, because they can't comprehend all of this. It’s hard for them," said Collarini.

County commissioners say more studies are needed before the final decision is made. They say more county layoffs are also possible.