Carroll County approves up to $25,000 to update assisted‑living feasibility study

The Carroll County Board of Commissioners on July 13 approved spending up to $25,000 from the Dube Fund to update a feasibility study on adding an assisted‑living wing to the county nursing home.

Executive Director Mellisa Seamans presented the request and noted a 2020 study identified a need for a 36‑bed addition (about 28,700 square feet) with an estimated construction cost of $15 million. Commissioners voted 3‑0 to authorize the updated study and planning work (motion Parker/Chandler). The vote was recorded as unanimous with the three commissioners present.

The study update will re‑examine demand and design assumptions and produce a revised project plan for later consideration by the board. Seamans said there is demonstrated demand and that “most people with memory issues are going into traditional nursing homes,” a point she raised in support of re‑examining an assisted‑living option.

The funding will come from the Dube Fund; the motion specifies “up to $25,000” for the update. No schedule for the study was provided at the meeting; the board framed this as a planning step rather than an immediate capital commitment.

Next steps: staff will commission the update and return to the commissioners with findings and any recommended next actions.