Rock County supervisors review consultants' recommendations for Rock Haven nursing home; no formal vote taken

Rock County Board of Supervisors members heard a detailed update and wide-ranging discussion on consultant recommendations for Rock Haven, the county’s 128-bed skilled nursing facility, during the board’s regular meeting.

The presentation, led by county staff and followed by questions from multiple supervisors, summarized a series of consultant reports and an ad hoc committee review, clarified current operating costs and staffing challenges, and outlined possible next steps including reopening a 32-bed wing that has been empty since January 2022.

The consultants’ operational analysis and the ad hoc committee recommended a mix of short- and medium-term actions to improve staffing and finances at Rock Haven. County staff told the board the facility’s total operating budget is about $19 million and that the 2025 budget includes roughly $2.5 million in tax levy support — about 12% of the facility’s budget. County staff also said debt on the facility is expected to be paid off in 2026.

“ We have 32 beds that have been empty since January 2022,” said Randy Terrones, a county staff presenter. He and other staff summarized previous consultant work, including a 2021 workplace culture review by Nolan Law LLP and a later operational and financial analysis by Health Dimensions Group, which produced more than 80 recommendations.

Natalie, Rock…