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Island Nursing Home leaders ask Stonington selectmen for town funding and housing help
Summary
Representatives of the Island Nursing Home told the Stonington selectmen the facility faces large operating deficits and requested town support (figures discussed included $100,000 and a cited $700,000 need to retain beds). Officials flagged staffing and housing shortages as core problems and said any town appropriation would need a petition and town‑meeting vote.
Representatives of the Island Nursing Home (INH) told Stonington selectmen at multiple 2022 meetings that the facility could not reopen or remain viable without outside help, pressing the town for both funding help and housing solutions for staff.
At the Nov. 21 meeting, INH representatives Skip Greenlaw and Leon Weed asked the town to consider a $100,000 contribution to restart INH as a residential‑care‑only facility. Board members and the Town Manager, Billings, discussed the facility’s reported budget deficit (discussed in the meeting as roughly $500,000) and whether a recurring shortfall would require annual town support. Billings told the board that, if the towns pursue funding, a petition would be needed to put the request on a town meeting warrant.
At the Aug. 22 meeting INH board members again described staffing and housing challenges as central to their troubles and said the organization would need roughly $700,000 to “keep the beds” — language used by INH representatives during the discussion. Board members and audience participants discussed whether the towns could or should assist with housing; INH board representatives said they had solicited contribution ideas from towns and were seeking new board members and public support.
Selectmen did not approve a direct appropriation during the meetings recorded in the transcript. Town Manager Billings advised that any formal funding request would need to follow petition and town‑meeting procedures. Board members asked for clarifications on financials and noted uncertainty in INH’s budget figures and whether recent inflation had been factored into estimates.
The Selectboard repeatedly emphasized procedural constraints: funding would require a formal town‑meeting article or petition, and the board sought more complete INH financial statements before committing to specific action. Several members suggested continued engagement: INH representatives were invited to provide clearer financials and to attend future meetings.
What happens next: the transcript shows INH asking the towns for help, the Selectboard requesting more detailed financial information, and TM Billings reminding the board that any appropriation would require a petition and a vote at town meeting.
