The Mercer County Geriatric Center To Be Sold
The Board of Chosen Freeholders resolved earlier this week to transfer ownership of The Mercer County Geriatric Center to the Mercer County Improvement Authority. The 240-bed nursing facility is being sold to a private entity in hopes of having the home run more efficiently, after years of monetary losses and poor quality ratings.
In 2008 the facility lost $7.4 million, and over $6.7 million in 2007. Additionally, the losses were expected to continue to rise over the next several years, which would only increase the burden for taxpayers. The facility is staffed by 150 county employees and serves primarily residents on Medicare or Medicaid. Officials said they would try to persuade the new owner not to cut staff, and said that the county hopes to have the sale completed by June 2010, but added that no negotiations have yet been initiated.
