Selectmen press Island Nursing Home representatives for clear finances after $100K request

Representatives of the Island Nursing Home told Stonington selectmen they need town support to keep the facility operating as residential care. At the Nov. 21 meeting, Skip Greenlaw and Leon Weed asked the board for $100,000 and described repeated operating shortfalls that have left the facility at risk.

"We petitioned them to open the facility," Greenlaw told the board as he described the need for immediate funding and a path to resume operations. The board repeatedly pressed for up-to-date financial statements and clarity about whether the deficit figures included post‑2019 inflation or recent operating costs.

Town Manager Billings told the board that any town contribution would require a formal petition to place an article on a town meeting warrant. Selectmen emphasized they were not prepared to approve recurring allocations without a clearer plan. One board member noted the petition and budget timetable needed to align with upcoming town meeting and warrant deadlines.

Board members asked INH leaders to provide current financials and a formal request for town meeting consideration. No appropriation or formal commitment was made at the meeting; INH representatives were invited to return with audited or current budget documentation before the selectmen will consider placing a funding warrant article before voters.