Residents and Families Voice Frustrations Concerning Closure of Hardin Hills

Emotions ran high at a meeting for residents and their families at Hardin Hills Health Center Tuesday morning.

The Hardin County Commissioners announced last week that Hardin Hills will be closing with the last day being no later than July 16.

The meeting was held in the conference room at the facility and was designed to provide information to the residents as they begin the process of relocating.

Only Commissioner Roger Crowe attended to keep it from being a regular commissioner’s meeting that would be required to be open to the public, and no one from the public was allowed to speak.

Crowe pointed out though that a public meeting will be held at the Hardin County Courthouse, but the date has not yet been set.

Many residents and family members wanted to know why.

Administrator Sharon Houston stated that the facility has been losing money for some time, and the failure of the fire pump in late March was the last straw.

Crowe informed the residents that all options to bring the aging building up to code were explored but in the end it was considered cost prohibitive.

Many asked why they have not considered putting a levy on the ballot so county residents can decide. Crowe stated that the decision to close was made by the commissioners with the best interest of all county residents in mind.

Crowe also pointed out they have explored the possibility of applying for grants, as some wondered, but none could be found.

When asked if their decision was final, Crowe said they are already in the 90 day window and the process to close the facility has started. 

As to what happens to the property, Crowe said the building is not considered suitable for use. He said they are looking into the possibility of razing the building and selling the land so it can be repurposed for economic development.

He emphasized though that no decision has been made concerning the future of the property.