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Commissioners approve smaller, higher‑hourly chaplain contract for Maplewood nursing home
Summary
After receiving a single bid, commissioners approved hiring a chaplain for Maplewood on an 8–10 hour weekly schedule (no Sunday service), which staff said fits the current year budget but would increase next‑year costs modestly.
Cheshire County commissioners voted unanimously April 30 to hire a chaplain to provide spiritual and pastoral services at Maplewood nursing home under a reduced weekly schedule and a higher hourly rate than the prior contract.
Staff said the county solicited bids and received one active proposal. The bidder offered 8–10 hours per week, working Tuesdays and Thursdays rather than Sundays, at a higher hourly rate than the facility’s prior chaplain, who averaged more than 12 hours per week over 12 years. Staff proposed the reduced hours to stay within the current fiscal‑year allocation and noted streaming services are available for residents accustomed to Sunday worship.
Katherine, who presented the item, described expected duties: individual visits for new admissions or residents with changed needs, two group sessions such as Bible study, and occasional crisis support for staff during traumatic events. Staff said background checks have begun but will be completed after commissioners authorize the contract because internal background checks carry fees and the contract value exceeds $10,000 annually.
Commissioners discussed whether the county had alternative options and noted staffing shortages affect recruitments across county services. The board moved, seconded and voted to approve the hiring with the proposed hours and authorized staff to proceed within budgetary limits. Staff said continuing at eight hours into the next budget cycle would require an additional estimated $153 in appropriations to maintain the service at that level.
