Health Center Bids to be Opened Thursday

Armstrong County Commissioners are slated to gauge interest in the sale of the Armstrong County Health Center in Kittanning this Thursday with the opening of bids at their public meeting.

by Jonathan Weaver

The fates of Kittanning employees and residents alike might be speculated as soon as later this week.

Armstrong County Commissioners are slated to gauge interest in the sale of the Armstrong County Health Center in Kittanning this Thursday with the opening of bids at their public meeting.

Commissioners polled public residents about the potential action at all of their town hall meetings – from East Brady to Manor Township – last month and received a mixed opinion since many health center employees attended to share their concerns.

Ever since Susquehanna Group Advisors’ Managing Director Jay Wenger presented commissioners with the option and five others at the end of August, commissioners – including Jason Renshaw - said the primary concerns for county officials include local jobs and patient care, however, and that those factors will dictate how far the process continues.

“We have to do something – We’re going to have to put all the cards on the table and see what our options are,” Renshaw said. “It’s not a decision (commissioners) like to do, but these are tough decisions – that’s why we’re here.”

Health Center Union President Jackie Kamer opined at the Worthington-West Franklin town hall meeting that quality of care would diminish if the facility is privatized.

Kamer added that employees are willing to work with the County and have ideas on how to cut costs.

Commissioners said they can also stipulate that employees remain with the sale, along with the beds, and deny any bid that is received.

While the County is accepting and exploring the possible sale, Commissioner Renshaw said the trio is still “considering all avenues” to reduce the annual funding deficit – which in nearing $1 million this year and might eclipse $1.4 million next year due largely to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Most of the state’s counties used to own facilities, but only 20 remain – including Bradford, Indiana and Westmoreland – due to losing revenue.

Commissioner Pat Fabian confirmed commissioners regularly receive calls regarding the health center.

Financial losses have also depleted much of the nursing facility’s cash resources. The Armstrong County Health Center is already projecting to lose more than $600,000 in 2016 – and that is after an agreement with Affinity Health Services was severed and a one-time intergovernmental transfer.

A group of community representatives in addition to county commissioners will make the final decisions and tour facilities operated by other groups.

Several Health Center staff will discuss the position of their union during tonight’s Talk of the Town with David Croyle on Family-Life TV. The program begins at 8 PM and is available on Comcast cable channel 23 in middle Armstrong County and on the Internet at www.familylifetv.com. It is also simulcast on WTYM AM 1380 (www.wtymradio.com and via free app for mobile devices).

categories Local News | November 1, 2016

23 Comments

  • By jorn jensen, November 1, 2016 @ 7:36 AM

    Why is it that when the Health Center is under possible sale, “employees are willing to work with the County and have ideas on how to cut costs.”? Shouldn’t that be an all-along-attitude to make a workplace function properly and efficiently?

    Let’s look at the Belmont also. That one also shows a lot of red ink.

  • By jd718, November 1, 2016 @ 8:33 AM

    “Why is it that when the Health Center is under possible sale, “employees are willing to work with the County and have ideas on how to cut costs.”?”

    Because these people would like to keep their jobs!

    “Shouldn’t that be an all-along-attitude to make a workplace function properly and efficiently?”

    How do you know that the employees Didn’t have Ideas all-along? Stop being a Jerk, Jensen!

  • By ktown_kid, November 1, 2016 @ 8:35 AM

    It has been under poor management and now that you have this trio in office, it won’t be getting any better. Have you seen the Court House parking lot for their employees? It’s sinking in!! The whole lot is one huge sink hole. The roof leaks with buckets placed in various spots to catch water. So commissioners are you carrying about the employees who run the county for you? So the ceiling area of the court house is probably filled with black mold and mildew, that’s a heck of a lawsuit just awaiting to happen. The best thing for this county would be for these 3 clowns to step aside and let someone with experience in management to take over. If you want revenue, how about selling some lots in the industrial park. Hey Renshaw how about donating some of your $12 pumpkin and $3.50 hot dog revenue. Just another let down for the taxpayers of armstrong county.

  • By Just sayin, November 1, 2016 @ 9:00 AM

    Saw “1 comment,” …first thought…let me guess…Jorn Jensen… Same old;same old…

    It’s not the employees jobs to figure out ways to cut costs. They can suggest, if asked.

    I STILL say… WHY CAN’T commissioners get rid of the jail and use the building for the new health center?

    There will be: fewer jobs lost, one-floor for the residents and staff (downsize if you have to do so), a nicer area to live and work in, money from the present health center sale to remodel jail, more outdoor activities (and appeal) for residents, and respect for the elderly who have worked most of their lives and for some who have fought for our country.

    We OWE it to them to take CARE of them, regardless if a relative lives there or not…regardless if they can afford it or not! There are grants and other programs to help.

  • By jorn jensen, November 1, 2016 @ 10:49 AM

    ktown_kid - Do you really think that these commissioners have to stop important work to worry about cracks in the sidewalks? There are employed people whose responsibility it is to care of those things - roof repairs, sinking parking, etc. The commissioners’ jobs are much more than your whine list - there’s the ever-growing, ever-increasingly-expensive 911 system that needs a strong looking-into, and many other government functions where we’re bleeding taxpayer money.

    To Jason’s comments, you’ll never hit on a commissioner action item that will have 100% agreement from everyone - that won’t happen. If you’re batting 500 on agreement, you’re doing really well. Just look how well we all agree on the KP comment page.

  • By futureconcerned, November 1, 2016 @ 12:56 PM

    My first question would be: is the Health Center being offered as a Keystone Opportunity Zone with differed taxes for 10 years? If it is, then I would be concerned that it would be shuttered at the conclusion of the tax abatement cycle. If it is being sold and will immediately be added to the tax roles, then I could be in support pending release of the details of the sale.

    As to the maintenance of the courthouse, materials cost money, eliminating the excess property and reducing costs in other areas should free up some funds for a smaller, leaner government to match our depressed county. The commissioners expressed the need for the county to stop being landlords over vacant land and buildings that are under-utilized. I agree. Reduce the amount of property the county needs to maintain and they will be better able to keep the courthouse and annex in better shape.

  • By sickofpayingforit, November 1, 2016 @ 2:57 PM

    1.4 million dollars is a lot of money to be losing. The only thing this decision CAN be about is money. I don’t wish to pay property tax so we can keep a failing business open. Did plenty of that with the Obama administration with my federal taxes.

    Commissioners know what has to be done here. They are simply playing the role, as they must, to vet all possibilities. Gotta get this stinker off the books, and fast.

  • By ktown_kid, November 1, 2016 @ 7:29 PM

    Well I have to disagree with you jorn. Take a ride past the court house and look at the parking lot. If you don’t think the health and safety of your employees are important, think again. What have the commissioners done worthwhile. They sold a few vehicles and didn’t make enough to even replace one vehicle. Maybe that’s why you didn’t even get 500 votes when you ran jorn. We were better off with the last 3 commisioners.

  • By worthingtonman, November 1, 2016 @ 9:09 PM

    Everyone knows why these county employees do not want the Health Center sold. The Union would much rather negotiate with a public entity rather than a private owner. County jobs mean county benefits. This building is decrepit and it’s going to cost a fortune to renovate. Sell it and keep moving the county out of private business.

  • By Just sayin, November 1, 2016 @ 9:32 PM

    Thank you, David Croyle, for having some Health Center personnel on your show. Some great points were made. Kudos to you and your guests.

    The numerous baby boomers will need a place to live. There will not be a shortage of residents in the near future.

    Save the Health Center…”Rooted in our Community”

  • By Just sayin, November 1, 2016 @ 9:38 PM

    If Affinity is still hanging around, someone is paying them. Get them out of Armstrong County!

    I think the “YES” votes for the poll above were all made by Jorn Jensen…voting on various computers! (Just like the Trump poll)

  • By jorn jensen, November 1, 2016 @ 10:05 PM

    Good points futureconcerned.

    I certainly hope the health center isn’t being offered under KOZ - that just means that we pay the taxes for the new owner. If there’s a new owner, they must make the business decision based upon real world operation - costs including taxes.

    Great statement on our local conditions - many won’t admit it.

  • By mad-2010, November 2, 2016 @ 5:37 AM

    To further extend your question, futureconcerned: Do the Commissioners have the power to just designate a property to be a Keystone Opportunity Zone?

  • By mad-2010, November 2, 2016 @ 7:11 AM

    “In-state businesses moving to a KOZ must either increase full-time employment by at least 20% in the first full year OR make a capital investment equal to 10% of the prior year’s gross revenues.”

    So, What would be the rub against a KOZ?

    “If it is, then I would be concerned that it would be shuttered at the conclusion of the tax abatement cycle.”

    If a business is successful there would be no need for shuttering the business and if unsuccessful, close the doors and look for other business! (Common practice in the business world) Maybe more positive thinking moving forward would ease such Unnecessary fears!

    Also, any type of positive action with this property going forward should be supported!

  • By mad-2010, November 2, 2016 @ 7:20 AM

    @ Sick, “I don’t wish to pay property tax so we can keep a failing business open. Did plenty of that with the Obama administration with my federal taxes.”

    Sick, Would you care to elaborate on which failing businesses were kept open under the Obama Administration that where not in existence under the Bush Administration?

  • By mad-2010, November 2, 2016 @ 7:37 AM

    “The three local taxing jurisdictions (County, Municipality, School District) have to each agree on which properties in their communities they want designated as a KOZ.”

    “The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development approves the applications for KOZ.”

    I believe the above information to be correct, feel free to correct me if I am wrong. I just don’t want Jensen and his minions passing along poor information on this article!

    Good people would like to keep their jobs.

  • By jorn jensen, November 2, 2016 @ 8:48 AM

    worthingtonman - you rang the bell of truth. Always better to negotiate in a public setting because there is no one there fighting for the taxpayer.

    Can we say teachers? Imagine the entire Pennsylvania public education system having to negotiate with an owner instead of PSEA-owned school boards.

    Ahh, ktown_kid, the actual count was 522. I didn’t spend $15,000 to get a $60,000 job. Plus, I didn’t sit on the repub bosses’ lap - I was first to sign up for the DKI debate that was same night as the repub meeting - all 8 repub candidates were warned by ‘the boss’ that we would be distancing ourselves from the party if we did (those exact words) - that was all it took for me to call Linda Hemmes and sign up. I had a good time running for commissioner - I enjoyed it.

    I’ll go check out the parking lot when it is empty on the weekend.

  • By Just sayin, November 2, 2016 @ 8:57 AM

    How about sending the people in the jail BACK to the PREVIOUS JAIL at the courthouse and have these women and men fix the Health Center for nothing? That way, they can learn new skills and be marketable.
    When the Health Center is remodeled, they can sell it for a higher cost, then this will pay for the renovation of the recent jail for the residents. The jailbirds can work on the “new” Health Center, as well.

    This is if we HAVE to have a jail. Jails aren’t meant to be homes or long term. Go back to the courthouse jail or the “dungeon.”

  • By jd718, November 2, 2016 @ 9:33 AM

    @ K-town, Jensen spent a grand sum of $250.00! LOL

    Really, How serious could Jensen be about the commish race! LOL Come-On! Of-Course he will say he enjoyed it, makes the egg on his face taste better! LOL

  • By jd718, November 2, 2016 @ 9:37 AM

    worthingtonman – you rang the bell of truth. “Always better to negotiate in a public setting because there is no one there fighting for the taxpayer.” What the heck are saying? That’s not at all what Worthy meant! LOL

  • By jd718, November 2, 2016 @ 10:29 AM

    Can we say teachers? “Imagine the entire Pennsylvania public education system having to negotiate with an owner instead of PSEA-owned school boards.”

    Someone explain to me how and why the out-come of negotiations would be so much different? I’d like to know!

  • By futureconcerned, November 2, 2016 @ 10:38 AM

    Thank you Mad-2010 for explaining the KOZ process. I have witnessed the process of approval at many school board meetings. I have yet to see one voted down.
    I too am concerned for the local jobs at the Health Center, that is why I am concerned about the 10 year outlook. The Health Center provides wonderful care but the building could really use some investment. So that would fit the KOZ definition. The increase in employment would be a stretch.
    The commissioners talked about ridding the county of the Armsdale property. They stated the condition of the building as being “poor”. They said they are acting as landlords to the agencies housed there. In my opinion, that is not the mission of county government. I say sell Armsdale and any land owned by the county which is not being used for county operations. Get it back on the tax roles to generate income to support the operations of the county.

  • By sickofpayingforit, November 3, 2016 @ 12:07 PM

    Mad-

    I won’t be explaining anything to you. Thanks.

    troll away……..

    P.S. Have you offered to pay for premium access to block users on here? I have……..

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