Nursing home in need of upgrades -- report

Bedford County Board of Commissioners' courthouse and county property committee heard a report Tuesday night about $790,000 or more in capital expenses said to be needed at Christian Care Center of Bedford County, the former Bedford County Nursing Home.

Care Centers Management Group leased the county-owned facility last year and operates the business. But the county is responsible for major repairs and improvements. County finance director Robert Daniel told the committee Tuesday night that county building consultant Bud Melson has recommended replacement of the facility's roof, which Daniel said could cost anywhere from $130,000 to $240,000 depending on the exact scope of work.

Then, Gary Parker of Care Centers Management Group presented the committee with a report of capital expenses needed on the facility, although none is as immediate of a concern as the roof, according to County Mayor Eugene Ray. Parker had included the roof but estimated it would cost only $120,000 or so. Parker's list also included $140,000 for chillers, $100,000 for elevators, $100,000 for boilers, $60,000 for HVAC controls, $60,000 for washing machines, $60,000 for the parking lot, $50,000 for dryers, $45,000 for a generator, $25,000 for basic plumbing and electric, $17,000 for a freezer and $17,000 for a cooler.

Ray said Wednesday afternoon that the county understands the need for the capital expenses -- "Anything to help the residents, we want it done," he said -- but said the county must proceed in a fiscally-responsible manner.

County Finance Director Robert Daniel told the committee that the county might need to pay for the roof, as well as for an ambulance chassis changeover for Bedford County Emergency Medical Services by means of a capital outlay note. The county does have some cushion for emergency spending, but using it for both those projects might cut things too close.

Care Centers Management Group has been taking care of some minor repairs on the facility and then asking the county for reimbursement after the fact; the committee informed Parker that the company must notify the county in advance of such expenditures.

In other discussion Tuesday night:

* The committee approved demolishing a white building behind the two county-owned houses on Union Street currently being used by The Next Step Home. The committee also heard that old records from a garage behind the homes need to be disposed of.

* The committee declined an offer from Pete's Plumbing to remove an unnecessary temporary electric box from the Medical Arts Building in return for being allowed to keep the box. The committee said that the box does have some value and therefore bids must be taken on the project.

* The committee voted to recommend allowing an easement for electric lines across the Bedford County Emergency Medical Services station on Frank Martin Road. The easement is needed to serve a new medical office building being built nearby.