White County home closes, jobs lost

MONTICELLO, Ind. (WLFI) - White County government leaders are making tough decisions to cut spending next year.

The county commissioners and council expect an 8% decrease in revenue next year, according to financial advisors.

A decrease in tax revenue and a shortfall in reimbursements at Lakeview Home are taking a toll on government services in White County.  More than $140,000 is said to have been lost, according to the government leaders.
So, the council and commissioners are cutting staff and closing the county operated home next year.

"I'm going to be alone and I haven't been alone in a long time," said Donna Feliszak, a three year resident at the home.

Friendship and family is what you find inside Lakeview Home in Monticello. The seven residents occupying this more than 100 year old building said not only will they miss one another, they don't even want to leave the county.

"I don't want to lose the doctors I have. They've treated me for 18 years at least and they know the problem I have. They work together to keep me healthy. They know what to do and I can't leave them," said Alicia Fletcher, a two year resident at the home.

The news of the closing is even harder to swallow because of the recent passing of home's director, Kay Fuller.

Feliszak views the home's demise as family splitting apart.

"I'm going to miss the staff. I'm going to miss the people. It's just not the same with Kay gone," said Feliszak.

Acting Administrator Terrie Goralski cooks and cares for the residents. She said because they are elderly, moving will be a challenge.

"They're very used to routine and everyone here. They're used to seeing everybody and it's all changing. Most of these people thought they were going to grow old and die here," said Goralski.

White County won't just be losing a home.  Personnel will be lost as well.

The full-time personnel cuts include three employees at the County Home, two clerical workers at the sheriff's department, one person in the county clerk's office and one in the health department, according to Richard "Buzz" Horton, White County Council President.

Four part-time workers at the home will be cut and one part-time employee at the health department will be cut.

Board of Commissioners President John Heimlich said a hiring and salary freeze is in effect.

"They also told the departments not to hire new people and if people in their department leave, they are to come to the council before hiring a replacement," said Heimlich.

Heimlick said the longevity program, which increases the salary of worker with five or more year with the county will still be honored.  Howeven, no office holders will be able to get a salary increase through longevity.  The commissioners and council members will all be taking $600 pay cuts, according to Horton.

Horton said the budget is up for final approval in September.