Maple Lawn will have a request for a millage on November 8, 2022
We'd like to dispel some inaccuracies in the article that came out today in The Daily Reporter. The headline is misleading, as it infers that Maple Lawn won't need the $250,000 ever. In truth, we're not sure if/when we will need it but we know we won't need to borrow it this month as Administrator Jayne Sabaitis communicated to the Board of Commissioners. As noted in the article, if we don't need it, we won't take it. We are working very hard to take as little from County funds as possible. Maple Lawn has been self-sufficient since 1986 when Branch County residents approved a millage for the current building. We are proud that all other improvements and expansions in the last 20 years have been self-funded. The millage request for November is still important to pass as Maple Lawn is still dealing with constraints from the Covid-19 pandemic, staffing, and lower census. |
OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE, AND CAPITAL COST MILLAGE FOR MAPLE LAWN MEDICAL CARE FACILITY, BRANCH COUNTY
For the purpose of providing funds to be used for the operation, maintenance, and capital costs of Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility and for all county medical care facility purposes authorized by law, shall the limitation on the amount of taxes that may be imposed on taxable property in the County of Branch be increased by .99 mill, $.99 per thousand dollars ($1,000) of taxable value for a period of five (5) years, 2022 through 2026, inclusive, as new millage and shall Branch County levy the millage for this purpose? It is estimated that .99 mill would raise about $1,656,932.00 in the first year of the levy.
For the purpose of providing funds to be used for the operation, maintenance, and capital costs of Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility and for all county medical care facility purposes authorized by law, shall the limitation on the amount of taxes that may be imposed on taxable property in the County of Branch be increased by .99 mill, $.99 per thousand dollars ($1,000) of taxable value for a period of five (5) years, 2022 through 2026, inclusive, as new millage and shall Branch County levy the millage for this purpose? It is estimated that .99 mill would raise about $1,656,932.00 in the first year of the levy.
What is the millage for? |
How will the money be used? |
The millage is requested due to the drastic increase in costs and decrease in revenues as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Difficulty hiring in the current job market meant Maple Lawn census has been much lower, and has made for a significant revenue loss.
Why is Maple Lawn requesting this millage?Covid restrictions were the main cause of the revenue deficit. A combination of increase in costs like PPE (personal protective equipment), staff sick time, lower census of residents, and decreased number of elective surgeries like hip or knee replacements resulting in fewer rehab patients have created a situation that could not have been predicted
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The money will be used for the operation of the facility over the next 5 years to stabilize the organization as the world continues to get back to normal after the pandemic. Ensuring patient care is top priority with well- trained staff, a clean environment, and a place for our residents to rehab and live a good life.
When was the last time Maple Lawn requested a millage?In 1986, Branch County residents approved a millage for the current building. All other improvements and expansions in the last 20 years have been self-funded.
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No family wants to make hard decisions about how best to help their loved ones should they become unable to care for themselves. But when and if that day comes, they want a place they can trust to deliver compassionate care, treat their loved ones as they would a member of their own family, and communicate honestly and openly with the family about that care. They want to know the staff will provide a loving and safe home and prioritize dignity and respect in all they do. They want a facility that exceeds minimum requirements and goes above and beyond as an everyday practice, not as an exception. They want an award-winning residence that is recognized by their peers and examiners. They want Maple Lawn. We understand that frantic need, as we waited for a room to become available for our beloved sister and mother, and were thankful every single day that they were able to live there.
The rigid and costly mandates throughout COVID-19, along with the complex and unpredictable reimbursements, created a financial crisis that has led to the current millage request. While we have absolute confidence in the efforts made by the administrators at Maple Lawn to keep up during this unprecedented time, and knowing they have a stellar record of fiscal responsibility over the years, our family wants to join so many other Branch County residents in supporting the millage request in November so they can recover and keep Maple Lawn the treasured resource it has always been. We urge our friends and neighbors to VOTE YES. --- FROM THE FAMILY OF THERESE PROVOT AND KATHY DUNNY |
Maple Lawn is a gift to our community. I am so grateful for this facility and all the staff. Both my mom (8 3/4 years in ML) and my dad (8 months in ML) received the best of care by loving, caring, employees. The administration is incredibly efficient and understanding of the needs of the residents and family. -FROM THE FAMILY OF BILL AND PHYLLIS McCANN |
My mother has been in and out of nursing homes for years, doing rehab when she's gotten sick and has to regain strength. We've been to several in the Branch and Calhoun county areas. When it was time to make the move to her permanent housing, hands down we picked Maple Lawn of Coldwater. Everything from staffing to activities and care ...the best. She loves bingo on Tuesdays and truly loves music when it is brought in for the residents to listen to. They also take her to her appointments where we meet her there to attend with her. The care and friendliness is unbeatable. We also get updates about her care and are always notified if there are any problems. If you have to pick a nursing home in the Branch County, pick Maple Lawn. -FROM THE FAMILY OF ROSEMARY BROWN |
Interested in making a donation to Friends of Maple Lawn?
Please send checks to:
20 Fairfield Drive
Coldwater, MI 49036
Please send checks to:
20 Fairfield Drive
Coldwater, MI 49036
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