There are efforts underway by our elected officials to privatize all or part of the County Home.This decision has the potential for negative consequences for residents, families, and employees of the Home.  We are opposed to sale and privatization; and believe the decision to privatize the facility was based on political agendas and was not in the best interest of all constituents.  Based on previous assessments, we feel our facility has great potential to provide a successful, vital service to the community.  Therefore, we propose that a feasibility study be performed to supply objective data, and we advocate for a stronger voice for constituents directly affected by decisions involving the County Home.
Consider the following: 1)  county facilities admit individuals that other facilities will not admit, this includes individuals that have difficult clinical problems and low reimbursement, 2)  private facilities typically aggressively pursue individuals with the greatest ability to pay or bring in the highest reimbursement,   3)  if county facilities were unable to serve these clinically difficult and low reimbursed residents, they would be forced to find placement in other facilities that were able to accept them,   4)  families would have to travel distances to visit loved ones; and residents that have lived and worked in our community all their lives would be unable to socialize in familiar circles,  5)   county  facilities tend to have more staffing, greater staff stability, and therefore provide greater continuity of care,  6)  county employees contribute significantly to the local economy and tax base.  
Given the complexity of this situation, it is our firm belief that a comprehensive,  independent, non-partisan feasibility study be performed by the Center for Governmental Research, Inc.  We want the results to be made available to the public.  If recommendations are made to keep the County Home as a county entity, we propose the creation of a board composed of non-management employees, resident family members, and north-county professionals to act as a liaison between the County Home and county government.  This board would create transparency and accountability and would help promote and maintain follow-through with recommendations made in the study.    
How this problem is resolved or not resolved will be an indicator of the character, principles, and credibility of our elected officials, and will reflect how decisions are made now and in the future.  Please share your voice and help us get the accurate information we all deserve.  
Thank you for taking the time to read and sign this petition.  Your input is vital!!