Wood County commissioners agree to Plante Moran assessment of Wood Haven, citing need for accountability and potential cost over $100,000

Assistant Administrator Dan Scherger told commissioners that Plante Moran LivingForward had reviewed preliminary materials and proposed a business life-cycle assessment and funding strategy for Wood Haven. Scherger said Plante Moran would use on-site work (two days) and data analysis to identify operational inefficiencies and recommend actionable changes.

Plante Moran’s materials describe a four-stage process—analysis, planning, reset and execution—with deliverables including a 4–6 week draft report, financial and operational benchmarking, and recommended next steps. Scherger said commissioners were told the on-site review would take two days and that Plante Moran would return recommendations and an action plan after reviewing facility data. He estimated the cost would be "over $100,000." Commissioner Craig LaHote emphasized the need for a deadline to ensure accountability; Commissioner Doris I. Herringshaw said implementation of recommendations is important; Commissioner Theodore H. Bowlus asked about cost and timing.

Scherger said Plante Moran could be on-site in late April or early May if the board chooses to proceed. Commissioners agreed to move forward with the assessment and strategy plan. Scherger noted Plante Moran will ask for additional facility information and that implementation remains the responsibility of Wood Haven management.

The decision was to authorize staff to engage Plante Moran for the assessment; no formal contract text or final price was recorded in the minutes presented to the board at this session.

The next procedural step is for staff to finalize scope, cost and schedule and return with a proposed engagement or contract for formal action.