Jay County votes to close county home by Dec. 31, 2026; advisory board, Muncie Missions propose transition supports

Cindy Bracy, president of the Jay County Country Living Advisory Board of Directors, told commissioners the decision to close the county home "was not taken lightly" and that operating it as a county-run facility "was not in the best interest of the county, residents, or employees." Bracy asked that the facility be funded through 2026 while a diverse stakeholder group pursues housing and relocation options for residents.

Frank Baldwin, president and CEO of Muncie Missions and Region 6 chair for the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority continuum, said the coordinated-entry list currently includes 41 people in Jay County and that regional housing supply is insufficient. Baldwin described developer interest and state tax-credit tools used elsewhere, and he urged the boards to consider temporary funding while developers and service providers plan placements. Commissioners voted (motion by Doug Horn, second by Duane Monroe) to close the facility by Dec. 31, 2026; the council will consider funding as part of the 2026 budget process.

Officials noted multiple operational constraints: staffing turnover, new state assessment rules effective July 1, 2025 that have produced backlogs for Medicaid waivers, and statutory limits on county authority to provide certain residential services. Board members said they would keep the advisory board intact to oversee a careful closure and to work with partners on resident assessments and housing placements.