PERKINS TWP

The Ohio Veterans Home Agency will be able to continue serving more veterans after the agency received all of the funding it asked for in the new state budget, an OVH official says.

The $51.9 million appropriation the agency received for the fiscal year that began July 1 will mean little change in the agency's Sandusky operation, but it means that the agency will be able to continue expanding its new home in Georgetown, Ohio, said Mike Liptay, director of fiscal operations for the agency.

Liptay said about $27 million of the agency's appropriation comes from the state. The balance of the $51.9 million comes from federal funds, fees paid by veterans, medical reimbursements and other sources.

The agency employs more than 900 employees, including about 740 in Sandusky. The legislature's appropriation will cover the cost of a pay hike of about 4 percent for employees, Liptay said.

The funding will allow the Sandusky home to maintain its current occupancy and staffing, Liptay said.

The agency has more than 700 residents in the two nursing homes. The Sandusky home has 727 beds and currently has 661 residents, said Gary Chetwood, director of public affairs.

The Georgetown home, which opened in November 2003, has just admitted its 100th resident and has 168 beds. The funding will allow it to continue bringing in more residents, Liptay said.

All contents © Copyright 2002 Sandusky Register

Call us at 419-625-5500