State wants to speed up Hab Center closures

Friday, June 18, 2010

By Rusty Murry

Nevada Daily Mail

Governor Jay Nixon has announced budget restrictions for the fiscal year 2011 that will have the effect of speeding up the transition of the Nevada Habilitation Center. Presently, the plan to move residents of the center to other types of facilities is still on track.

The goal of transitioning the residents to other homes and ISL facilities and having the center closed by January 2012 should be complete by then, according to Hab Center Superintendent Chris Baker. Even though he had no detailed information, Baker said, "I guess they're looking for me to speed things up."

Baker also said the original plan of doing away with 50-55 full time employees should still be able to come about through attrition. Representative Barney Fisher agreed with that statement saying "that's going to happen very quickly through retirement," but Fisher didn't know if retirement alone would result in that reduced number.

Fisher and Senator David Pearce have been working on a plan in conjunction with the Department of Mental Health, the city of Nevada and the Parents and Guardians Association to build group homes on the site and retain as many residents and jobs in Nevada as possible.

At this time the facility houses about 90 residents. Under the proposed plan the group homes, if constructed on site, would house 50 to as many as 72 residents. Fisher said, "there are a lot of questions right now and a whole bunch of details to be worked out," but the next 30 days may see a request for bids issued that would get the ball rolling so there would be alternatives available by the time the center is transitioned out.

For now Baker keeps moving in the direction of a complete shutdown. "As far as the transition here, I'm not going to let any grass grow under my feet; we're going to just keep plugging away."

Fisher said they were going to keep working on their plan also. He and Senator Pearce plan to keep as many jobs in Nevada as the can. "I think if the alternative plan goes through, we will be able to keep about 225 of the 275 jobs here in Nevada," said Fisher.

The governor's office declined specific comment on the situation.

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They don't vote. Just kick them to the curb. At least that was the attitude when they closed the old state hospital. Many of those patients are the homeless we see today.

-- Posted by Leland Gaunt on Sat, Jun 19, 2010, at 11:08 AM
So once again the last thing anyone takes in to account is the people who reside there. Money is the bottom line and to hell with the people who cannot speak or object for themselves. Senator Pearce does not care and has not made any effort to help these folks. Oh wait I forgot; they cannot or do not vote. Not worth coming to see in person.Governor Nixon would rather not know and has refused to help the people who need it the most. Please remeber these people when you vote next; I will. We need to throw out the ones who put politics first & people last.

-- Posted by katy318 on Mon, Jun 21, 2010, at 3:35 PM
I would disagree with your statement of Senator Pearce. He has been involved with Rep Fisher in formulating a plan to help save those housed there, and the jobs to run it. It was the Governors call on this cut, he is being very harsh in wanting to speed this process through. I would not blame our senator and/or rep, it is the governor who is forcing this upon our local representation.

-- Posted by ThomasPaine on Mon, Jun 21, 2010, at 5:50 PM
Senator Pearce did not come to meet the families; his participation was almost laughable. He was on closed circuit tv so it looked politically correct. He talks a good line; but in reality does nothing to help. Rep Fischer has championed for the folks at the hab center & continues to do so. Governor & Senator do not get my vote as they do not deserve to hold their offices. They are true politicians who care nothing about the common, hard working taxpayer. Remember to VOTE ! I do so.

-- Posted by katy318 on Tue, Jun 22, 2010, at 10:24 AM
Hey Little Boat

Do you realize most of the good paying jobs in town require a drug test

LOL

-- Posted by jimmy burke conway on Thu, Jun 24, 2010, at 4:34 PM
You are taking on water little boat

sincerely,

Berlin-Wheeler

-- Posted by jimmy burke conway on Sat, Jun 26, 2010, at 5:49 PM

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