Allegan County Commissioner Rick Cain Wednesday evening told the Martin Township Board there is a solid chance a quarter of a mill proposal will be on the August primary ballot for the Medical Care Facility.

Cain said the county recently conducted a survey that produced 293 written responses, indicating 76% support for the 0.25 mill to allow the facility to remain solvent. He said the nursing center with more than a 150-year history has fallen on hard economic times of late.

“Without that millage, they can’t continue to do what they’re doing,” he said. “They do a good job, they have good people… If it (the facility) were to close, people would have no place to go.”

The commissioner said the nursing facility has been the victim of inconsistent funding for the past several years. The result now is a deficit of $500,000.

The 0.25 mill, if approved, would result in a bump of about $1.2 million, which he said is sorely needed.

According o the facility’s web site, the Allegan County Medical Care Community’s history began in 1866 when the County of Allegan purchased the farm of Jedadiah Pope, operating what was affectionately called “the poor farm.” This farm housed the county’s poor, sick and homeless.

The poor farm was closed in 1968 as construction of Allegan County Medical Care Facility, the current community, began on this same property. It has been in operation since 1971.

In 1998, a new special needs unit was added to the Community for 12 residents, providing dementia care and related programs. Strategic planning in 2002 enabled its transition to household environments as Eden Alternative concepts for culture change were embraced, moving from a medical model to household model of care and services to residents. Ten additional beds were added in 2003, creating a 70-resident community. Further strategic planning in 2006 brought significant physical plant changes beginning with the addition of the 10 resident Perrigo Memory Care Center for dementia care in January 2009.

The renovation of 12 resident rooms and an additional kitchen and living room created the Gardenview Household for residents able to participate in daily decision-making opened later that year.

What was the 12 resident special needs unit was converted for short-term rehabilitation. A new kitchen was designed for the Hillcrest Neighborhood dining rooms to serve those 36 residents.

The facility’s new name and identity was adopted at this time. ACMCC reflects its transition to a “community” household, residential care model.

In other business at Wednesday’s meeting, the Township Board:

• Was told by library representative Alice Kelsey that assistant J.C. Wheeler Library Director Abbie LaFountaine has resigned, but has agreed to saty on until a replacement can be found.
• Approved a renewal of a franchise agreement with Charter Communications that includes a 4 percent fee.
• Awarded the bid for a new door for the fire department to Kurt Knight for $500.
• Agreed to have an open house for the renovated township hall, fire department and offices during the Memorial Day celebration May 25. The Library Board has indicated it may have its annual book sale in the hall on the same day.