(Spirit Lake)– The list of repairs needed at the Oak Haven Care Facility owned by Dickinson county continues to mount.
A couple of weeks ago the Dickinson county board of supervisors learned a new boiler is needed along with atleast one new water heater. At that point they directed a study into other possible improvements at the facility. They were presented with the findings of that study today (Tuesday), which includes a list of repairs totaling more than 400-thousand dollars. Of that, the boiler replacement is estimated at 112-thousand dollars. The study says it will cost an additional 270-thousand dollars to correct code violations, including improving air ventilation into the building. Add in hot water heaters, a kitchen exhaust retrofit, converting from propane to natural gas, fixing electrical code violations and a new electrical service brings the total to 417-thousand dollars.
Supervisor Mardi Allen expressed concern, saying none of that has been budgeted for. Supervisor Paul Johnson suggested the county look closely at the future of Oak Haven, referring to it as a “money pit”.
The supervisors took no action on the report at today’s (Tuesday’s) meeting. They’ll consider taking some type of action on it at their meeting in two weeks.
The county owns the Oak Haven building. The care facility itself is operated by Season’s Center, with which the county has a contract. Of the 34 or so residents that currently live there, only six are from Dickinson county.
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