Cheshire County commissioners approve expanded vinyl-plank flooring at Maplewood using FF&E funds

Cheshire County commissioners voted to expand a previously approved flooring project at the Maplewood facility, approving use of remaining fixtures, furniture and equipment (FF&E) funds to cover the $19,182 difference so higher-quality vinyl-plank flooring will connect the nursing home and assisted-living hallways.

County staff said $15,000 was already budgeted for the project; the lowest vinyl-plank bid covering both the first- and second-floor connecting hallways came in at $34,182. The county’s presenter told commissioners the move would replace bridal tile in the connector and align floor materials between the nursing home and assisted living while lowering ongoing maintenance costs.

The presenter described FF&E as the source of the remaining money and said $37,734 remains in that account overall. The presenter requested commissioner support to transfer the $19,182 delta from the FF&E balance to complete the vinyl-plank installation now, rather than stage work later.

Commissioner Wozniak moved the motion. The three commissioners present voted aye and the motion passed.

The county clarified the funds are already appropriated in the approved budget and that no tax increase is required. Commissioners asked about the remaining FF&E balance and about other potential uses; staff responded the account had been carried through several project delays and that furniture replacement was among other uses previously contemplated.

The commissioners did not attach additional conditions to the approval; staff said work will proceed under the awarded bid and the county will use higher-quality vinyl plank where the bid covered both floors.