On behalf of the residents and their families, the staff and their families, and the entire community, the Blaine Manor board of trustees expresses heartfelt appreciation for the support and understanding of the Blaine County commissioners in their decision to not hold a May 2010 override levy election. We believe this insightful decision will provide the commissioners with additional time to assess all of the county's and Blaine Manor's needs before determining to place an override on a ballot.
As the county moves forward in the FY 2011 budget deliberations, using the philosophy and methodology of performance standards, we highlight the five years of receipt of the state of Idaho's Schoonover Award of Excellence, the designation of one of our staff as "Health Hero" for her advocacy for senior citizens and the announcement of one of our founding board members as "Citizen of the Year."
Since 1999, three separate studies have demonstrated the need for long-term care in Blaine County, and as the senior population has grown, a need for assisted living and independent living in addition to skilled nursing has grown. Furthermore, these studies have also demonstrated that the three levels of care provided by a continuing-care retirement community will provide a financially sustainable model for senior care. The Croy Canyon Ranch Foundation (formerly the Blaine Manor Foundation) is in the process of a $13 million campaign to make the continuing-care retirement community a reality. Delaying the May 2010 override election provides the foundation with the time it needs to proceed with its fundraising efforts without attention diverted by an election.
We believe that the citizens of Blaine County, Blaine Manor board of trustees, the County Commissioners and the Croy Canyon Ranch all have the same goal: to provide sustainable, quality and compassionate long-term care services to our seniors.
Mary Ann Mix
John Chapman
Pete Van Der Meulen
Dr. Steve Pauley
Marsha Riemann
Commissioner Angenie McLeary
