At a meeting of the Merrimack County Board of Commissioners, the board approved multiple measures affecting county long-term care operations, including a registry physician pay-rate increase, a private-rate increase at Garish Manor, a full-building duct cleaning contract at the nursing home, and a five-year cable services contract for county facilities.

Registry physician pay rate: Heather Milquin and Wendy Heath presented a request to raise the registry physician pay rate used at county facilities. Heather said the current rate was known to be “not terribly competitive” when it was set and that the existing physician, Dr. Rod, works roughly 20–25 hours per week and may reduce hours as he approaches retirement. Heather said raising the rate would help succession planning and allow recruitment of a second registry physician next year. A commissioner moved approval; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Garish Manor private rate: Jen presented a request to increase the private rate at Garish Manor from $135 per day to $150 per day effective Jan. 1, 2026, citing internal cost-per-day calculations used at the McLeod Building. Jen said the new rate remains below many comparable facilities. The board moved, seconded and approved the rate change. Jen said residents who might need Medicaid would be assisted through the application process and that the county plans to provide more than the minimum 60 days’ notice where required.

Duct cleaning and amendment: Dustin advised the board the county solicited proposals for duct cleaning; three firms responded. Initial proposals varied widely: Armstrong (about $190,250 for whole building), CNS (about $70,700), and Stanley Steemer (about $489,844). Administration recommended performing work on resident floors (2–4) from operational funds. During discussion, a commissioner proposed amending the motion to approve Armstrong’s full-building proposal at approximately $190,250. The amendment was seconded and approved, and the board approved proceeding with the whole-building contract.

Cable services contract: County staff reported issuance of an RFP for cable services for county facilities including the nursing home. CSS was the low proposer at $4,883 per month for a five-year term, a monthly savings of $350 compared with prior costs. The proposed package adds channels previously unavailable and will use satellite dishes and existing internal wiring. A commissioner moved approval; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Operational impacts and next steps: Heather and other staff said the physician pay-rate change would take effect on passage and that recruitment for an additional physician would be pursued next year if approved. Administration said the duct cleaning will be scheduled to minimize resident disruption, doing sections of rooms and coordinating activities for residents who must temporarily leave rooms.

Ending: The board approved the measures by voice vote and asked staff to proceed with contract finalization and recruitment efforts as described.