The Golden Manor is asking for another budget increase in 2016, but the seniors home will likely be forced to make some tough decisions going forward.
Head Administrator Heather Bozzer was joined by Shannon Ketchabaw and Jennifer Bertrand on Tuesday evening, to give council an update on their budget.
A report came back to council from city administration recommending that the Golden Manor remain a municipally operated and funded long-term care facility, instead of transitioning to a not-for-profit facility, which would then be funded primarily by the provincial government,
There were several cost savings recommendations at the Golden Manor within KPMG's core services review, with many discussed in-camera away from the eyes and ears of public and media.
Ketchabaw explained that there is legislation involved for staffing numbers and hours present, so cuts to those areas are not easy.
Bertrand spoke of some of the improvements needed.
"We've identified several areas that we need to work on," she said.
Among the improvements required laid out in the presentation by Bertrand included 'consistency in auditing processes' which was explained as the need to collect information correctly to improve resident experience and satisfaction.
"When we look at how we're going to improve our quality, we need to ensure that the data we are reporting is accurate, and that we have proper auditing processes in place" said Bertrand.
She also spoke of their goals for reducing costs 2016. Attendance management, restructuring of the nursing department, human resources planning, and financial planning were mentioned.
The floor was opened to council for their input.
Councillor Mike Doody said he didn't want to delve into the suggestions laid out by KPMG, but once again made his position clear, that he is a staunch supporter of the Golden Manor and all of their staff.
"We've been going through the budget process for the city of Timmins, and you know, they talk about this year our increase will be somewhere in the area of $500,000 dollars for the Manor that we'll have to come up with. But we talked about a $200,000 dollars to build a skate park, you know, one of those little skate parks, $200,000. We've talked about all different kinds of things" he said.
Doody, who is the Chair of the Golden Manor Board of Management, doesn't like hearing criticism of the seniors home.
"Some of us tend to forget, we're talking about reality, we're talking about human beings" he said.
"When was the last time you had a complaint about the quality of care being given at the Golden Manor?"
"At the manor, we don't skimp on food to make a dollar. We don't skimp on the quality of care," he added.
He urged council and the public to take more pride in the facility.
The Golden Manor currently has 177 residents.
If ultimately approved by council, the budget for 2016 would come in at $15.8 million dollars.
Councillor Rick Dubeau said he has nothing personal against staff of the facility, but emphasized that part of the role of city council is to be responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Mayor Steve Black told the Golden Manor management and staff in attendance that he was proud of how they handled the past year, including the KPMG meetings, and that there dedication and hard work doesn't go unnoticed.
However, he did mention that there must be decisions made in the immediate future to level off the bottom line.
"I'll say this to be frank with all of the members sitting behind you. If council decides to maintain this home tonight, in my opinion, I think the staff has to really consider and look for internal savings. The $500,000 dollar increase is something that we don't feel is sustainable long term, and that we can see coming year-to-year. I think it's something that everyone working inside the Golden Manor needs to take to heart, and come to the table and offer up those cost savings initiatives," said Black.
Council voted to keep the home under city control.
The budget has yet to be approved.
