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Commissioners approve land sale to Center Care Inc., continuing county support for largest local nursing facility
Summary
The board approved a $600,000 agreement of sale to transfer roughly 13.48 acres to Center Care Inc.; commissioners and Center Care leaders discussed the facility’s reliance on Medicaid, funding shortfalls, and ongoing fundraising and advocacy work to shore up long‑term operations.
The Centre County Board of Commissioners on May 23 approved an agreement of sale to transfer approximately 13.483 acres adjacent to Perser Road in College Township to Center Care Inc. for $600,000, commissioners said.
The transaction is the second step in a multi‑part county initiative that included a $2 million American Rescue Plan Act contribution to support Center Care’s finances, county officials said. Andrew Naugle, Center Care administrator, and Betsy Dupuy, board chair, described ongoing fundraising, volunteer growth and the facility’s heavy reliance on Medicaid reimbursement.
Why this matters: Center Care is the county’s largest Medicaid‑dependent skilled nursing provider. Dupuy said the facility “loses approximately a hundred and $15 per bed per day on Medicaid residents,” and that at least 70% of the center’s census is Medicaid beneficiaries. Commissioners framed the land purchase as part of the county’s commitment to sustaining long‑term care capacity in the region.
Discussion and context
Andrew told the board the county contribution and land sale are part of a three‑part plan to give Center Care runway for fundraising and operational stability. He reported broad local board and employee participation in fundraising and said volunteer participation and donor counts have risen in recent Center Gives campaigns.
Betsy said the nonprofit remains committed to serving residents “regardless of their ability” to pay and reiterated the financial pressure from Medicaid shortfalls. Commissioners emphasized the broader community interest in preserving local long‑term care capacity and urged residents to support the facility through donations and by contacting state legislators.
Actions and next steps
The board adopted the agreement of sale for $600,000 by motion and voice vote. The board also approved a separate proposal with Pantera Engineering for subdivision engineering services tied to the parcel. County staff and Center Care said they will continue fundraising and urge constituents to support state legislation to stabilize Medicaid reimbursement.
