MERRILL, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors began their budget debate last night. Funding for the Pine Crest Nursing Home was not included in the preliminary spending plan.
A small group of Pine Crest supporters gathered outside 6th Street Tuesday to make their feelings known concerning the building’s future. “The gentle people here who work as staff are an asset to our community and are an asset to the families who expect them to be there, who count on them to care for their families,” said Dora Gorski of Gleason.
“Even though the county currently has the property up for sale, they haven’t gotten a buyer. None of us have a crystal ball, and we don’t know if they’re going to get a buyer before 2024,” added Don Dunphy of Merrill.
The county currently owns Pine Crest. It is operated by North Central Health Care.
Supporters say they not only want the facility to stay owned by Lincoln County, they want it fully funded for 2024
A referendum proposal was denied in August, which would have left the public to decide whether the building remains funded.
