Board: County should close facility

Officials agree it’s not as simple as putting a closed sign on the door.

How the county goes about its living facility’s future is still to be determined.

Jay County Country Living Advisory Board at its June meeting recommended the county close its living facility. Jay County Commissioners discussed potential next steps, such as transitioning ownership to another entity, at their meeting Monday before tabling the matter.

A committee was created in late 2023 to determine the facility’s feasibility moving forward, with it morphing into an advisory board of directors intended to oversee regular operations. Discussion has been ongoing for years about Jay County Country Living — formerly known as Jay County Retirement Center — and its future.

The facility has been operating in Jay County since 1895.

“When this task began, I said we needed to keep Jay County Country Living open well, or close it well,” read board president Cindy Bracy from a prepared statement. “I would like to revise that statement to keep it open well, or transition it well.”

Bracy noted a housing crisis in Jay County. She also pointed to the property’s historical significance.

“There is a great need for this place,” she read. “The question is how and what are the next steps.”

Bracy also read a statement prepared by board member Chris Nixon, who explained the board has been reviewing the facility’s assets for the last 15 months. The board applied for the facility to be designated on the National Register of Historic Places with a goal of securing preservation funding, among other efforts.

“We took seriously the mission we were given: to look for a path forward, not just an exit strategy,” read Bracy. “I recognize the realities we’re facing. I remain deeply concerned about what will be lost, not only in terms of care for our most vulnerable residents, but in our community’s legacy of responsibility. I hope we can continue seeking solutions that reflect that legacy, even in these difficult times.”

Commissioners president Chad Aker clarified the board’s recommendation to close the facility could include allowing another organization to take over Jay County Country Living. He voiced support for keeping the facility open and questioned what the next steps may include.

“I just hate to see this happening,” Aker added. “I guess I’m only one of 10 decision makers in this county.”

“Best government is always less government,” Bracy responded. “And it is a challenging place to run as a county entity.”

She pointed out a board member had said previously that the county was 20 years behind on discussions about its living facility. She agreed, referencing problems she said should have been addressed and dealt with two decades prior.

Jay County Country Living director Stacey Johnson said various changes would need to take place at the facility in order to continue operating as it is, citing population, established requirements and a clearer focus on independent living for residents. 

Bracy noted there are options moving forward. Discussion on Monday revolved around establishing a nonprofit organization or seeking requests for proposals for prospective buyers. Bracy asked whether the facility should continue allowing residents to move in for now, with commissioners disagreeing on the matter but taking no formal vote.

Commissioners also pointed to the upcoming county budgeting process, questioning whether Jay County Country Living can feasibly close or transition before January. Commissioner Doug Horn suggested the county budget for the facility for one more year while plans are put in place, although he noted the financial decision is up to Jay County Council.

County attorney Wes Schemenaur said the largest factor will be determining where the residents — there are currently 18 living at the facility — will go next.

Johnson pointed to a lack of housing in the community, saying some residents have no other option.

“We can absolutely not forget that we are one of the last resorts,” noted Johnson. “A lot of times we are 100% last resort for someone, or they’re going to sleep in their car.”

Commissioner Duane Monroe voiced concern for residents not receiving the care they need.

“Half of the people need more assistance than what (Jay County Country Living) can give them,” he said. “I hate that for the people that need that, because they’re not getting it there, and they need help. They need someone better than we can give them.”

Once the advisory board’s recommendation gets out to the public, he added, perhaps more folks will come forward with ideas on what to do next with the facility.

Aker noted various improvements made to Jay County Country Living since the advisory board was created. He pointed to renovations, such as the recent bathroom remodels.

“You guys have turned that place around by leaps and bounds,” he said. “But again, sometimes it does come down to a matter of dollars and cents, unfortunately.”

Commissioners then tabled the matter, planning to discuss it again at a future joint session with Jay County Country Living Advisory Board and Jay County Council.