Board cares about Restorium

The purpose of the Boundary County Community Restorium Advisory Board is to act in an advisory capacity to the Boundary County Commissioners and the Boundary County Community Restorium Manager on operation policies and enforcement of said policies.

First and foremost, we care about the residents. We care that they need the dignity to be able to be able to pay their bills, afford a home- a safe environment in their later years.

The elderly worked hard all these years want to be able to pay their bills.

With the new rates, people who paid tax dollars, not only into the Restorium, but into our schools, roads, paid county employee insurance and retirement plans all these years, and who had the idea of being able to have a home at the Restorium and stay in this county most likely won’t be able to afford it.

In April, the board approached the commissioners with the following recommendations: Raise the small room rate to the same rate as the large room rate, effective immediately, (with the exception of the private room #1).

The increase would apply to new residents moving into the Restorium. Explanation: The rooms have the same amount of living space with the only difference being that the “large” room has an extra closet and smaller area around the sink. The services provided are the same.

Regarding the 2013-2014 budget: The Boundary County Restorium Advisory Board recommended a three percent rate increase for all residents effective Oct.1, 2013 for that budget year.

The commissioners never responded to the board on this proposal, nor did they act on it.

The commissioners have voted unanimously on a $2,500 per room rent for new residents, at which at no time has the board neither approved nor recommended.

The commissioners say the rates have never been raised in years.

To the contrary, the rates have been raised 60 percent since the year 2007.

The board wants Boundary County citizens to know that we have listened to the voice of the community through personal conversations, hours of volunteering and monetary donations.

As an advisory board, we take the opinions of the citizens very seriously when we make recommendations pertaining to the Restorium.

During the 2013 Boundary County Fair, the Friends of the Restorium sponsored a statement that read, “I am in favor of continuing to use some of my tax dollars to support the community Restorium.” 567 taxpayers were happy to sign it with less than five declining.

We are aware that this community has always been in favor of the Restorium and all it stands for. We have heard from a greater majority of people who want their tax dollars going towards the Restorium.

We fear that the residents of Boundary County, one of the lower income counties in Idaho, won’t be able to afford the rates; that there will be increased vacancies due to higher costs, and these people won’t be able to live in an environment where they can be safe and well-cared for.

We, the advisory board, have complete faith in the administrator, Karlene Magee, and her staff. Karlene has exhibits exemplary performance.

She has great compassion for the people who live at the Restorium and she and the staff extend the best care possible to the residents- your family, neighbors and friends.

Due to their efforts, the Restorium was awarded a certificate of achievement from the state of Idaho.

In conclusion, to the citizens of Boundary County, we will continue to do our best to serve you and to convey your wishes to the commissioners.

Boundary County Restorium Advisory Board

Larry Dirks, Wilma DeVore, Larry Hall, Peach Baker, Jeannie Robinson