Some legislators propose phasing out Riverside Rest Home, offering county stipend and housing alternatives

One caucus presented a plan to phase out Riverside Rest Home over time — beginning with a managed reduction in census, a county-funded stipend to place up to 150 seniors in private facilities, and repurposing or demolishing the county building to develop low-income senior housing through partnerships such as the Covered Bridge model. The proponent described phasing as an option that could avoid large capital costs and argued the county could continue to support current residents through end-of-life funding.

Other delegates pushed back, noting many Riverside residents require 24/7 skilled nursing that independent low-income housing cannot provide. Opponents emphasized that transferring residents will require binding agreements with private providers, careful staffing transition plans and realistic cost modeling; a member warned the cost per resident could rise during a phased transition. Members agreed to explore both the phase-out proposal and a build/renovation option and requested written proposals and financial plans.