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A proposed major renovation and enlargement to the Sullivan County nursing house took a major move forward Tuesday soon after the delegation of condition associates unanimously accepted bonding for up to $26 million for the challenge that is presently approximated to price tag amongst $57 million and $63 million.
“We were at last in a position to appear jointly and approve nursing home renovations,” explained delegation chairman point out Rep. John Cloutier, D-Claremont, after the vote. “It was not easy at instances, but I am pleased we did it unanimously. I think it sends a powerful message to our constituents that we worth the nursing dwelling.”
Cloutier’s remarks echoed these of other delegation users.
Brian Sullivan, D-Grantham, mentioned it took extended than most had hoped, but the delay was value it for financial good reasons as the county stands to get about $25 million in state funds for the task from a $50 million fund for cash improvements at county nursing properties. Many others were eager to see the challenge at last transfer forward.
“It is now time we begin caring for senior citizens and their effectively-remaining with a redesigned nursing household,” mentioned Skip Rollins, R-Newport.
In addition to the bond and condition funds, which nevertheless requirements approval from the Governor’s Office environment for Crisis Relief and Restoration (GOFERR), the county will use $2 million it has secured in federal money, $7 million from the county’s share of American Rescue Prepare Act and up to $5 million from the county’s capital reserve fund.
The final resolution, permitted in a 12- vote, boundaries the county commission to bonding up to $20 million in the “first tranche” but gives it the authority to bond a further $6 million if necessary.
The delegation’s Executive Finance Committee proposed the bonding be finished in two phases to prevent borrowing much more than may possibly be desired and spending added curiosity.
“It is a three-year project. We really do not want the funds all at after,” reported point out Rep. Sue Gottling, D-Sunapee. “Every dollar we do not suitable will save the taxpayers dollars.”
Bonding just $20 million instead of $26 million would help save $300,000 a year in desire payments, supporters of the limit stated.
State Rep. Judy Aron, R-Acworth, whose motion to amend the resolution and clear away the $20 million cap on the to start with bond was defeated in a 7-5 vote, stated the county could spend extra if curiosity charges go on to raise and far more bonding is needed.
Taking away the restriction on the total of the initially bond gives the commissioners extra overall flexibility, Aron said. Other Republicans agreed, claiming the restriction ties the palms of the commissioners.
But Democrats fearful amending the resolution, accepted by the county’s bond legal professional, would will need even more authorized review and that would hold off the vote again.
County Commissioner Ben Nelson, of Newport, explained he was contented with the restrict on the very first bond since the commissioners have sole authority to problem a next bond, if desired, with no in search of approval from the delegation.
Soon after the meeting, Sullivan County Supervisor Derek Ferland explained the software for the GOFERR funding grew to become offered Tuesday and he expects the county will file it in a number of months. At a assembly in July, Sullivan stated the GOFERR committee and the governor gave constructive indicators that Sullivan County would get its greatest amount of money, which is 40% of the venture expense.
But Ferland also informed the delegation Tuesday there will be competition for the $50 million, such as from Strafford County, which is setting up to rebuild its nursing residence.
“I don’t know how far together they are,” Ferland mentioned.
The job at the nursing residence in Unity includes renovating the Stearns constructing, advancements to the MacConnell developing and an 82,000-square-foot addition.
