Winchester House is a clean, affordable and necessary institution. Lake County is lucky to have it. But there's a bone of contention.
In 1982, residents approved an ongoing quarter-cent tax levy to fund the county-operated nursing home. The levy generates $4 million a year.
The problem is, it costs an additional $4 million ($8 million total) to operate the facility.
A smaller, more efficient facility may cut into that deficit – maybe.
The question is, can Lake County afford to continue operating Winchester House?
Don’t get me wrong. This Hound doesn’t want to wind up in a dog house when his hunting days are over.
The county-run facility is a clean, affordable place to live among friends.
But how long can the the current facility, or a newer facility to replace it, operate at a deficit of $4 million a year?
If there were a referendum to increase the Winchester House levy, how would Lake County residents vote? Would you favor spending more property taxes to support Winchester House?
Leave a comment