At the Committee of the Whole meeting on March 18th, Board members discussed whether to keep the current pharmacy contract with Falk's Pharmacy or go with PharMerica, a company that apparently submitted a bid that could save the county $100,000 a year for better service ! Their new County Administrator, Al Mitchell, strongly supported going with PharMerica, as did three of the seven Board members. This seems like kind of a no-brainer. See video footage of Chris Jensen Administrator, Norma Brendle telling the Board what she thinks.
Very interesting and somewhat of a mystery as to why folks who are usually VERY interesting in saving the county money (remember the famous food and beverage inspection issue-claiming to need to save money by sending this duty back to "state inspectors" who are not exactly "available" the same way that local folks were) now think we should "go local" at significant increased cost! Contact your Commissioner to see what the deal is! This will likely be re-visited in coming months.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
County Board Considers "Contracting Out" Management of Chris Jenson Nursing Home
At their Committee of the Whole meeting on April 1st the County Board discussed contracting out the management of the Chris Jenson Nursing Home to Ecumen Services, Inc.
This contract would be at the cost of $300,000 a year ($25,000/month)
Staff from Ecumen indicated that typically 80% of nursing home costs are salaries. They indicated they will take a close look at the present budget and compare what is happening at Chris Jensen with other nursing homes. They will evaluate all areas of Chris Jensen. They will prioritize identifying a leader and also having a good relationship with the county board. When asked about management of other county-run nursing homes they indicated they presently manage homes in Lake County and also in Grand Rapids. (among others) . They will focus on trying to "maximize reimbursements".
This contract will not have any "direct effect" on other current contracts at Chris Jenson (according to County Administrator Mitchell). In the future, however, other contracts might be re-considered to create cost savings. (Mitchell)
The expectation is that the Board will find out how to run Chris Jensen more efficiently. This should include a variety of areas. (Mitchell says we need someone to look at the "long term plan")
Committee of the Whole voted to send this to the Board without recommendation.
This contract would be at the cost of $300,000 a year ($25,000/month)
Staff from Ecumen indicated that typically 80% of nursing home costs are salaries. They indicated they will take a close look at the present budget and compare what is happening at Chris Jensen with other nursing homes. They will evaluate all areas of Chris Jensen. They will prioritize identifying a leader and also having a good relationship with the county board. When asked about management of other county-run nursing homes they indicated they presently manage homes in Lake County and also in Grand Rapids. (among others) . They will focus on trying to "maximize reimbursements".
This contract will not have any "direct effect" on other current contracts at Chris Jenson (according to County Administrator Mitchell). In the future, however, other contracts might be re-considered to create cost savings. (Mitchell)
The expectation is that the Board will find out how to run Chris Jensen more efficiently. This should include a variety of areas. (Mitchell says we need someone to look at the "long term plan")
Committee of the Whole voted to send this to the Board without recommendation.
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