Delegation forms bipartisan working group to study nursing‑home options for Strafford County

Strafford County legislators voted May 16 to create a bipartisan working group to examine whether and how the county should address its long‑standing nursing‑home needs, including potential site plans, financing models, partnerships with nonprofits, and alternatives such as assisted living or voucher programs.

Representative Lontain proposed a compact group (suggested five Democrats and four Republicans) that would meet monthly beginning in June with the aim of returning a report in time for the January public hearing on the next fiscal budget. He said the county owns suitable land and that a clear, transparent process is needed to prevent a repeat of earlier failed proposals.

Members raised multiple options: renovating the existing facility, building a new county‑owned nursing home, partnering with nonprofit providers, or supporting private providers with vouchers for indigent residents. Representatives emphasized that there is no statutory requirement that counties operate nursing homes, but noted that local governments retain responsibility for care of indigent residents and currently fund portions of long‑term care through the Medicaid system.

Several members insisted on transparency: meeting agendas and minutes will be circulated to the entire delegation, meetings will be open to the public and available via Zoom, and stakeholder outreach (including municipalities, Community Action Partners and housing organizations) will be part of the group’s work.

What happens next: the clerk will circulate membership and schedule the first meeting; the working group will provide monthly minutes and a written report before the next budget public hearing.